Random assignment

Definition

Random assignment involves allocating participants to different groups using a randomization method. This ensures each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group, helping control for biases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Random assignment helps ensure the internal validity of an experiment by controlling for confounding variables.
2. It is a key component in experimental design and is essential for establishing causality.
3. Common methods for random assignment include random number generators, coin flips, and drawing lots.
4. Random assignment differs from random sampling; the former divides participants into groups while the latter selects participants from a population.
5. Ensuring true randomness may require computational tools in large-scale studies.

Review Questions

• Why is random assignment important in experimental design?
• What are some methods used to achieve random assignment?
• How does random assignment differ from random sampling?

Related terms

Control Group:

A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or intervention being tested, used as a baseline to compare results.

Confounding Variable: An extraneous variable that can influence the outcome of an experiment if not properly controlled.

Internal Validity: The extent to which an experiment demonstrates a causal relationship between variables without interference from confounding factors.