Light

Random Assignment

Definition

Random assignment is a method used in experiments to ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being placed into any group. This helps to eliminate bias and make sure the results are due to the variable being tested, not differences between groups.

Analogy

Think of random assignment like drawing names from a hat for teams in a game. No matter who you are or how good you are, your team is determined purely by chance.

Related terms

Experimental Group: The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested.

Control Group: The group in an experiment that does not receive the variable being tested, serving as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

Confounding Variable: An outside influence that changes the effect of a dependent and independent variable. This extraneous influence is used to influence the outcome of an experimental design intentionally.