In the experiment you described, random selection and random assignment play distinct roles:
Random Selection
Where it happens: Random selection occurs when the researchers randomly choose 400 adults who already exercise regularly to participate in the study. This process ensures that the sample is representative of a larger population of regular exercisers, helping to generalize the findings of the study.
Random Assignment
Where it happens: Random assignment occurs when the selected participants (the 400 adults) are divided randomly into two groups: one group that engages in the inside exercise and another group that serves as the outside group. Random assignment is crucial because it helps ensure that any differences observed between the two groups' average happiness ratings can be attributed to the type of exercise (inside vs. outside), rather than pre-existing differences between participants.
In summary:
- Random selection is about how participants are initially chosen for the study.
- Random assignment is about how those selected participants are allocated to different experimental groups for the purpose of the study.