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Main effect is the term used in research methods for the effect that is produced by the average of an independent variable that has been produced over another independent variable. For example, the independent variable A is paired with independent variable B to produce the main effect.

For example, in factorial designs, the main effect is what the independent variables elicit when averaged out over each other.

References[]

  • McBurney, D.M., White, T.L. (2004). Research Methods. CA: Wadsworth Learning.
  • Mook, Douglas G. (2001). Psychological Research: The Ideas Behind the Methods. NY: W. W. Norton & Company.
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