Randomization strengthens an experimental study in which of these ways?
A) It reduces the risk that a subject will be harmed by participation in the study.
B) It ensures that the experimental group and the control group have the same number of participants.
C) It allows the study to proceed without the researcher knowing which group is the experimental treatment group.
D) It increases the likelihood that the differences in outcomes between the groups are not related to chance alone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Randomization is a process in which participants are assigned to different groups (such as a treatment group and a control group) randomly, meaning that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group. This process helps to reduce bias and increase the internal validity of a study by ensuring that the groups are comparable at the beginning of the study.
Option A is not directly related to randomization. The risks of harm to participants can be reduced through other means, such as careful screening and monitoring.
Option B is not correct because randomization does not guarantee that the groups will have the same number of participants, although it does help to ensure that the groups are comparable in terms of other factors.
Option C is partially correct because randomization can be used to create a double-blind study in which neither the participants nor the researchers know which group is which. However, this is not the primary purpose of randomization.
Option D is the best choice because randomization helps to ensure that any differences in outcomes between the groups are not due to chance alone. By randomly assigning participants to different groups, the study is more likely to control for other variables that could affect the outcomes.

Randomization Strengthens an Experimental Study in Which of These Ways