Question

Random assignment is part of a well-designed comparative experiment because

a. it is fairer to the subjects.

b. it helps create roughly equivalent groups before treatments are imposed on the subjects.

c. it allows researchers to generalize the results of their experiment to a larger population.

d. it helps eliminate any possibility of bias in the experiment.

e. it prevents the placebo effect from occurring.

Short answer

The answer is option (b) It helps create roughly equivalent groups before treatments are imposed on the subjects.

Step-by-step solution

Given information

Random assignment is part of a well-designed comparative experiment

Explanation

In a well-designed comparison experiment, we utilise random assignment because we want the different treatment groups to be as comparable as possible so that there are no differences between them before the treatment, and we can be sure that the differences are attributable to the treatments themselves.

As a result, option (b) is the best choice because it aids in the creation of roughly identical groups before the participants are subjected to treatments.