Why is random assignment critical for research studies?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the significance of random assignment in research studies, which involves explaining its role in ensuring validity and reducing biases in experimental research.
Answer
Enhances internal validity by ensuring no systematic differences between groups.
Random assignment is critical for research studies because it enhances internal validity by ensuring no systematic differences between groups, allowing outcomes to be attributed to the independent variable.
Answer for screen readers
Random assignment is critical for research studies because it enhances internal validity by ensuring no systematic differences between groups, allowing outcomes to be attributed to the independent variable.
More Information
Random assignment is particularly important for ensuring the reliability and validity of experimental results, helping to control for extraneous variables and isolating the causal effects of the independent variable.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing random assignment with random selection. Random assignment ensures each participant has an equal chance of being in any group, which is different from random selection, which involves randomly choosing participants from a larger population.
Sources
- Why is random assignment critical for research studies? - Scribbr - scribbr.com
- The Definition of Random Assignment In Psychology - Verywell Mind - verywellmind.com
- Why randomize? - Institution for Social and Policy Studies - isps.yale.edu
