Relating to factors or involving multiple independent variables in research design. In factorial designs, researchers study the effects of two or more variables simultaneously and their interactions.
From Latin 'factor' (maker, doer) plus '-ial' (relating to). 'Factor' comes from 'facere' (to make or do). In mathematics, factorial referred to products of consecutive numbers; in research design, it describes studies examining multiple 'factors' that might 'make' or cause outcomes.
Factorial designs are like conducting multiple experiments at once - instead of testing one factor at a time, you test several factors together to see how they interact! It's the difference between testing salt OR pepper versus testing salt AND pepper AND their combination effects on taste.
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