Random Assignment
Definition
Random assignment refers to assigning participants or subjects into different groups (e.g., control group vs. treatment group) randomly. This helps ensure that any differences observed between groups are due to treatment effects rather than pre-existing differences.
Analogy
Imagine you are organizing a basketball tournament. To ensure fairness, you randomly assign players to different teams rather than letting them choose their own teams. This way, any differences in team performance can be attributed to the skills and strategies of the players, not the initial composition of the teams.
Related terms
Experimental Design: Experimental design involves planning and structuring an experiment to minimize bias and maximize the ability to draw valid conclusions.
Control Group: A control group is a group that does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a baseline for comparison.
Treatment Group: A treatment group is a group that receives the experimental treatment or intervention being studied.
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