Random assignment is a critical element of the experimental method because it
A) always leads to equal group sizes.
B) increases the construct validity of the dependent variable.
C) eliminates consistent effects of extraneous variables.
D) enables generalization of the results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment helps to eliminate consistent effects of extraneous variables, which increases internal validity. This means that any observed differences between the groups can be attributed to the independent variable and not to any other factors. While it may lead to equal group sizes, this is not the main reason for its importance. Random assignment does not necessarily increase construct validity or enable generalization of the results.

Random Assignment Is a Critical Element of the Experimental Method