Assignment: Analyze Experimental (Randomized) Design
Instructions
Whenever an experiment is conducted using samples rather than the entire population, there is innate uncertainty. Regardless of how large or how well-drawn the sample, all aspects of the entire population cannot be fully represented. An experimental design based on randomization provides maximum control as humanly possible of this innate uncertainty.
Assume you have been asked to speak to a group of beginning doctoral students who have just started an introductory research methods course. Based on the assigned readings and additional research, create a report to address the following information:
• Discuss the distinction between random selection and random assignment. Determine how random selection and random assignment would contribute to the reduction of uncertainty. Provide examples to illustrate your findings.
• Explain how random selection and assignment might help to reduce experimental error and mitigate threats to validity.
• Select at three sampling methods to critique, then discuss the procedure and benefits of each.
Support your presentation with at least five scholarly resources. In addition to these specified resources, other appropriate scholarly resources may be included. 4-6 pages Randomization, or the random selection and assignment of participants based solely on chance, is the foundational element of experimental designs, reducing alternative explanations for the effects the researcher is measuring. Random selection involves the procedure used to identify participants to be members of a sample, while random assignment involves the procedure used to assign identified participants to the various groups within a study.
