The primary interest of designing a randomized block experiment is:
A) to reduce the variation among blocks
B) to increase the between-treatments variation to more easily detect differences among the treatment means
C) to reduce the within-treatments variation to more easily detect differences among the treatment means
D) to increase the total sum of squares
E) All of the above statements are true.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary interest of designing a randomized block experiment is to reduce the within-treatments variation to more easily detect differences among the treatment means. The use of blocks allows for better control of confounding variables and reduces the impact of variation due to those variables, resulting in a more accurate assessment of treatment effects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they either go against the primary interest of the design or are irrelevant to the goal of detecting treatment differences.

The Primary Interest of Designing a Randomized Block Experiment Is