Why randomize runs in an experimental design. Answer: Randomization is done in experimental designs to remove the effects of lurking variables.

Question

Options

• ARandomization is done in experimental designs to remove the effects of lurking variables.

• A
  100% (53)

Explanation

Option A is correct because randomization distributes unknown confounding variables (lurking variables) roughly equally across treatment groups by chance, preventing them from systematically skewing results. Without randomization, a lurking variable - one not accounted for in the study - could be unevenly distributed between groups, making it impossible to determine whether observed differences are due to the treatment or the hidden variable. For example, if testing a new drug, randomly assigning participants ensures that pre-existing health conditions are spread across both groups rather than clustering in one.

Since only one choice is presented here, there are no distractors to evaluate.

Memory tip: Think of randomization as "leveling the playing field" - it doesn't eliminate lurking variables, but it neutralizes their influence by spreading them evenly across all groups. If you see a question about why we randomize (not how), the answer almost always points to controlling for variables we didn't think to measure.

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