Random assignment is a defining feature of an experiment.It means that
A) participants are able to select the particular experimental manipulations they wish to experience.
B) participants were randomly selected from the population of interest.
C) whether participants are in one condition or another is determined at random.
D) participants are assigned to the experimental conditions on the basis of their pre-existing differences.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment is the process of randomly assigning participants to different experimental conditions. This ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being in any given condition, and reduces the likelihood that there are pre-existing differences between the groups that might affect the outcome of the study. Option A is incorrect because participants should not have control over which conditions they are in. Option B is incorrect because random selection refers to the process of selecting participants from a larger population, whereas random assignment refers to the process of assigning participants to different experimental conditions. Option D is incorrect because randomized assignment is specifically used to control for pre-existing differences between participants.

Random Assignment Is a Defining Feature of an Experiment