Chapter 11, Problem 1RQ

Summary Introduction

Introduction: The random assignment mainly deals with profound intervention and control groups which have the ability to reduce the potential influence of confounding factors.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Correct answer: “The major purpose of random assignment in a clinical trial is to reduce selection bias in the allocation of treatment.” Hence, the correct answer is option e.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct answer:

Selection bias is the bias introduced by the selection of the controls and cases for a study that mainly depends on the exposure. It must be controlled at the design level. This could be accomplished by reconsidering the incident cases and population controls.

One can majorly choose and assign a concurrent comparison group by using a randomization process due to the inbuilt capacity of random assignment. It also focuses on the chance factor that allows the statistical hypothesis to determine the significant priorities of the trial that are conducted in clinical settings. Therefore, random assignment decreases the selection bias in allocation of treatment.

Option e. is given as “Reduce selection bias in the allocation of treatment”.

Random assignment minimizes the selection bias in the allocation of treatment.

Hence, the correct answer is option e.

Reasons for incorrect answers:

Option a. is given as, “Help ensure that study subjects are representative of the general population”.

Random assignment does not help to study subjects that are representatives in a general population as it determines group assignment that tests the significance levels.

Hence, option a. is incorrect.

Option b. is given as, “Facilitate double blinding (masking)”.

Random assignment in a clinical trial does not facilitate the masking as the double binding will only control information bias and not confounding.

Hence, option b. is incorrect.

Option c. is given as, “Facilitate the measurement of outcome variables”.

Random assignment does not help to measure the outcome variables.

Hence, option c. is incorrect.

Option d. is given as, “Ensure that the study groups have comparable baseline characteristics”. Random assignment does not help in the comparison of baseline characteristics of a study group.

Hence, option d. is incorrect.

Hence, the options a., b., c., and d. are incorrect.

Conclusion

Random assignment minimizes the selection bias in the allocation of treatment.