A cell is a combination of two or more ___ in a factorial design.

A cell is a combination of two or more ___ in a factorial design. (a) Research designs

(b) Research measurements

(c) Dependent variables

(d) Independent variables

✅ Correct option: (d) Independent variables

Explanation:

In factorial design, a cell represents a specific combination of levels of two or more independent variables. Each cell contains participants who experience one unique condition of the experiment. For example, in a 2×2 factorial design with teaching method and gender as independent variables, each combination (e.g., lecture–male) forms a separate cell. Cells allow researchers to examine both main effects and interaction effects. Without cells, it would be impossible to analyze how different independent variables jointly influence the dependent variable. Dependent variables are outcomes, not components of cells. Therefore, the correct answer is independent variables.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Factorial designs include multiple IVs. Cells represent experimental conditions. Each cell has a unique treatment combination. Main effects are studied across cells. Interaction effects compare cells. Equal cell size improves analysis. Factorial designs increase efficiency. Cells are plotted in design matrices. Between-subject and within-subject cells exist. Cells are essential for ANOVA.