In the context of conducting experiments in natural settings,random assignment of participants to conditions is
A) usually perceived by possible participants as the fairest procedure.
B) the fairest procedure if the effectiveness of the treatment is known.
C) the fairest procedure if the effectiveness of the treatment is not known.
D) usually perceived by those in positions of authority as the fairest procedure.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment is the fairest procedure when the effectiveness of the treatment is not known because it helps to control for individual differences between participants and ensures that these differences are evenly distributed among the conditions. This increases the internal validity of the study and allows researchers to make more accurate causal inferences. Option A is incorrect because participants' perceptions of fairness may not always align with scientific rigor. Option B is incorrect because random assignment is necessary regardless of whether the effectiveness of the treatment is known. Option D is incorrect because the perception of fairness by those in positions of authority is not relevant to the scientific validity of the study.

In the Context of Conducting Experiments in Natural Settings,random Assignment