In order to avoid bias in how subjects are assigned to the different treatment conditions, experimenters should use
A) random assignment.
B) counterbalancing.
C) random sampling.
D) self-selection procedures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment helps to ensure that participants are randomly assigned to different treatment conditions, which helps to eliminate potential biases that could arise if participants were to self-select or if the experimenter were to assign participants based on some preconceived bias or preference. Counterbalancing can also be useful in certain cases, but its primary purpose is to control for order effects rather than assignment bias. Random sampling is important for generalizability but does not address assignment bias specifically. Self-selection procedures should generally be avoided in experimental designs, as they introduce a wide range of potential biases and confounds.

In Order to Avoid Bias in How Subjects Are Assigned