Question

In studies of seed production, why is it important to assign plots of land to either the control group or treatment group at random?

1) It increases the likelihood that the treatment group will show a difference from the control group.
2) It makes it less likely that plots that receive a particular treatment share other characteristics that might influence seed production.
3) It increases the chance that the study will be able to be scaled to a higher level.
4) It makes it less likely another scientist will contradict the study.
5) All of the above

Answer 1

Random assignment is important in seed production studies to reduce systematic differences between the control and treatment groups and attribute any observed differences to the independent variable being studied.

Step-by-step explanation:

Random assignment is critical for sound experimental design. With random assignment, all participants have an equal chance of being assigned to either the experimental or control group. This is important because it reduces the likelihood that there are systematic differences between the groups, such as gender, ethnicity, or religious beliefs, before the experiment begins. By randomly assigning participants to the groups, any differences observed between the two groups can be attributed to the independent variable being studied, rather than preexisting differences in the groups.