11.2 Some Important Terms for Simulation Study
This section is base on Feinberg & Rubright (2016)
11.2.1 Factor
A factor in a simulation is akin to a factor in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) study.
It is an independent variable, usually categorical, that is manipulated by the researcher.
For example, if the simulation generates and studies small, medium, and large sample sizes, then sample size is a factor of study.
11.2.2 Level/Condition
Conditions, sometimes referred to as levels, are realizations of factors.
If sample size is the factor of interest, “small” would be one of the conditions
11.2.3 Combination of Condition
factors are crossed, meaning that each condition from each factor is realized.
So, if a sample size factor (small, medium, and large) is crossed with a dimensionality factor (unidimensional vs. multidimensional), there would be a total of six condition (combinations).