Group Matching

Group matching or matched group design refers to a technique used in experimental research where the participants are paired based on specific characteristics (variables) they “match on”, and then divided into groups (conditions). The purpose of this technique is to reduce the chances of individual differences skewing the obtained results.

For example, a group of scientists wants to test the effect of a drug on insomnia and they are going to test this by experimenting with two groups of participants: one group takes the drug, and the other group will be given a placebo. The participants are paired based on their age, making this the common variable the members are “matched on”, and then assigned to each of the groups.