Randomization in research refers to what method?

Randomization in research refers to what method?

• A. A method of ensuring equal representation
• B. A method for placing individuals into groups
• C. A method to increase sample size
• D. A method for subjective selection

Answer: (B)

Randomization in research is fundamentally a process that involves assigning participants to different groups in a way that is determined by chance. This method is crucial for maintaining the integrity and validity of an experiment or study. By randomly placing individuals into groups, researchers aim to create groups that are comparable at the start of the experiment. This minimizes biases and ensures that the effects observed in the study can be attributed more confidently to the intervention being tested, rather than to pre-existing differences between the groups. When randomization is implemented correctly, it promotes the equal distribution of both known and unknown variables among the experimental groups. This helps in achieving a clearer understanding of the impact of the variables being tested, as it controls for confounding variables that might skew the results. Thus, the primary role of randomization is to enhance the reliability of outcomes by ensuring that any differences observed can be more directly linked to the treatment rather than random variability between groups.

Randomization in research is fundamentally a process that involves assigning participants to different groups in a way that is determined by chance. This method is crucial for maintaining the integrity and validity of an experiment or study. By randomly placing individuals into groups, researchers aim to create groups that are comparable at the start of the experiment. This minimizes biases and ensures that the effects observed in the study can be attributed more confidently to the intervention being tested, rather than to pre-existing differences between the groups.

When randomization is implemented correctly, it promotes the equal distribution of both known and unknown variables among the experimental groups. This helps in achieving a clearer understanding of the impact of the variables being tested, as it controls for confounding variables that might skew the results. Thus, the primary role of randomization is to enhance the reliability of outcomes by ensuring that any differences observed can be more directly linked to the treatment rather than random variability between groups.