In order to ensure that experimental and control groups are similar before the experiment begins,social scientists sometimes:
A)pair subjects who are identical on relevant variables and assign one to the control group and one to the experimental group
B)create groups that are equivalent in terms of their averages on some relevant variables
C)randomly assign subjects to the experimental and control groups
D)match subjects on relevant variables
E)all of these choices

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of these choices are valid methods for ensuring that experimental and control groups are similar before the experiment begins. Pairing subjects who are identical on relevant variables and assigning one to the control group and one to the experimental group, creating groups that are equivalent in terms of their averages on some relevant variables, and matching subjects on relevant variables all help to eliminate potential confounding variables that could affect the results of the experiment. Randomly assigning subjects to the experimental and control groups also helps to ensure that any individual differences between subjects are spread evenly throughout the groups. Using a combination of these methods can increase the validity of the experiment and help researchers draw accurate conclusions from their results.

In Order to Ensure That Experimental and Control Groups Are