Question

A recent research study randomly divided participants into groups who were given different levels of Vitamin E to take daily. One group received only a placebo pill. The research study followed the participants for eight years to see how many developed a particular type of cancer during that time period. Which of the following responses gives the best explanation as to the purpose of randomization in this studyA. To increase the accuracy of the research results B. To ensure that all potential cancer patients had an equal chance of beng selected for the study. C. To reduce the amount of sampling error D. To produce treatment groups with similar characteristics E. To prevent skewness n the resuits. F. I am not familiar with this matorial

Answer 1

Answer: D. To produce treatment groups with similar characteristics

Step-by-step explanation:

By using randomization in sampling, the Sample would be more representative of the Population it is based off of because different demographic characteristics may be picked.

This leads to a situation where the groups have similar characteristics between themselves thereby making it easier for comparison. For example, Group 1 would have certain types of people that will be represented in Group 2 and Group 3 as well. That way the effects of the drug can be properly studied as it affects different people. For instance, say there are 4 obese people in a sample of 10, instead of group one having all obese people, randomization may be able to give group one, 2 obese people and 2 obese people to group 2 as well. That way when comparing, the effects of the drug on the two groups is easier to be compared because the two groups have similar people.