Question
Why is random assignment important in experimental design? (2 points)
Responses
It equalizes sample sizes in all groups
It equalizes sample sizes in all groups
It increases the total number of participants
It increases the total number of participants
It guarantees all participants receive treatment
It guarantees all participants receive treatment
It allows for more reliable results by reducing bias
Responses
It equalizes sample sizes in all groups
It equalizes sample sizes in all groups
It increases the total number of participants
It increases the total number of participants
It guarantees all participants receive treatment
It guarantees all participants receive treatment
It allows for more reliable results by reducing bias
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Random assignment is important in experimental design for the following reasons:
1. **It allows for more reliable results by reducing bias**: Random assignment helps to ensure that any differences observed in the outcomes of the groups can be attributed to the treatment rather than to pre-existing differences among participants. This helps to control for confounding variables and increases the internal validity of the experiment.
2. **It equalizes sample sizes in all groups**: While this point might not be entirely accurate in all cases, random assignment does help to distribute participant characteristics evenly across treatment and control groups over a larger number of participants, leading to a more balanced comparison between groups. However, the primary importance is in reducing bias.
Ultimately, the most relevant point is that random assignment allows for more reliable results by reducing bias.
1. **It allows for more reliable results by reducing bias**: Random assignment helps to ensure that any differences observed in the outcomes of the groups can be attributed to the treatment rather than to pre-existing differences among participants. This helps to control for confounding variables and increases the internal validity of the experiment.
2. **It equalizes sample sizes in all groups**: While this point might not be entirely accurate in all cases, random assignment does help to distribute participant characteristics evenly across treatment and control groups over a larger number of participants, leading to a more balanced comparison between groups. However, the primary importance is in reducing bias.
Ultimately, the most relevant point is that random assignment allows for more reliable results by reducing bias.