Final answer:
Random assignment is the technique used in experiments to create groups that are as equal as possible, aiming to ensure each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any group and thus reducing bias.
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique used to create groups in an experiment that are as equal as possible is known as random assignment. This method is crucial in scientific studies and experiments because it helps to ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in any given condition, thereby reducing bias and improving the validity of the experiment. By randomly assigning participants to groups, researchers can more accurately determine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
To perform random assignment, researchers might use a variety of methods such as drawing names from a hat, using a random number generator, or employing computer software designed for this purpose. The goal is to prevent the selection process from being influenced by external factors that could introduce systematic differences between groups. For example, in a medical trial, patients might be randomly assigned to receive either a new medication or a placebo to fairly test the effectiveness of the drug.