Why is random assignment essential to establishing causality?
A) because it permits researchers to verify that they have a diverse and representative sample of participants
B) because it reduces the possibility that individual characteristics of the participants produced the observed results
C) because it increases the external validity of the experiment
D) because it allows researchers to determine whether or not their operational definitions reflect the variables of interest

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment helps to ensure that individual differences or characteristics of participants are evenly distributed among the experimental and control groups. This reduces the possibility that individual characteristics caused the observed results, strengthening the causal inference between the independent variable and dependent variable.

Why Is Random Assignment Essential to Establishing Causality