Random Selection vs. Random Assignment
How does random selection differ fromrandom assignment?
It is possible to have both random selection and random assignment in an experiment.
Imagine that you use random selection to draw 500 people from a population to participate in your study.
Rob Friedman / Getty Images
Why do researchers utilize random selection?
The purpose is to increase the generalizability of the results.
Factors Involved
Imagine a researcher is selecting people to participate in a study.
They may begin by using random selection to pick geographic regions from which to draw participants.
Another important thing to remember is that larger sample sizes tend to be more representative.
Even random selection can lead to a biased or limited sample if the sample size is small.
Lin L.Bias sparked by sampling error in meta-analysis with small sample sizes.PLoS ONE.
2018;13(9):e0204056.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0204056
Elmes DG, Kantowitz BH, Roediger HL.Research Methods in Psychology.Belmont, CA: Wadsworth; 2012.
