Testing Individual vs Group Mean Differences in Social Science Research

Abstract

A true experimental design requires random selection and random assignment of subjects to control and experimental groups. A hypothesized statistically significant mean difference in the dependent variable between these two groups is typically specified. This methodology is also referred to as a randomized clinical trial when testing for group differences. Individual differences are generally not considered, rather the focus is on the average control group and experimental group difference. This article offers another
approach that illustrates testing for individual differences over time.