Question

Select the definition of a block design experiment.

A)a study in which subjects are separated into similar groups and then subjects within each group are randomly
assigned to treatments

B) a study in which all subjects are randomly assigned to treatment groups, allowing for comparison of those treatments

C)a study in which one subject receives two treatments in random order

D) a study in which subjects are randomly assigned to treatment groups and each treatment group is further divided into groups containing similar individuals

E) a study in which researchers divide subjects into similar groups and observe variables of interest within each group

Answer 1

A block design experiment is one where subjects are separated into similar groups and then randomly assigned to different treatments within those groups, effectively reducing the influence of lurking variables and ensuring reliable data is obtained. So the correct answer is option A.

Step-by-step explanation:

A block design experiment is a study in which subjects are separated into blocks or groups based on certain characteristics or similarities. The intention behind this is to account for variability among subjects that may affect the response to the treatments. Within each block, subjects are randomly assigned to the different treatments. This experimental design serves to reduce the potential impact of lurking variables by making sure that the only systematic difference between the blocks is the treatment applied by the researcher.

The correct definition that matches a block design experiment from the provided options is:

• A) a study in which subjects are separated into similar groups and then subjects within each group are randomly assigned to treatments.

This approach, along with the use of a control group and blinding, where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the active treatment, helps to maintain the integrity of the experimental design and ensures the collection of reliable data.