Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using random assignment as a method to prevent individual differences from becoming confounding variables.
Extraneous variables are the variables in a research study that are not the independent variable but could still affect the results of the experiment. In a research study, if the extraneous variables are not controlled appropriately, they may become unequally present in the experimental and control groups and have an effect on the dependent variable. As a result, the extraneous variables become confounding variables. In such cases, the changes in the dependent variable may not just be due to the independent variable but due to the various uncontrolled extraneous variables or confounding variables. As a result, the true relationship between independent and dependent variables is disguised because of confounding variables.
Random assignment in experiments refers to using the chance to assign subjects or participants to the experiment group or control group in the study. Through this process, the researcher can ensure that the groups are equivalent from the beginning of the study which makes it safe to assume that any differences observed between the control group and experimental group were due to the treatments given during the experiment.
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