The way in which scientists attempt to control for selection factors in experimental research is through the use of ______.
A) experimental blinds
B) placebos
C) random assignment
D) selective selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Random assignment is the process of assigning participants to different groups in a study in a random manner. This helps control for selection factors by ensuring that there is an equal chance of individuals with different characteristics being assigned to each group. This way, any differences observed between the groups can be attributed to the experimental manipulation rather than pre-existing differences between the groups. Experimental blinds and placebos are methods used to control for the placebo effect and experimenter bias, respectively, but they do not directly control for selection factors. "Selective selection" is not a recognized term in experimental research.

The Way in Which Scientists Attempt to Control for Selection