What is the goal of random assignment in experimental conditions?

The goal of random assignment in experimental conditions is to balance individual differences across various conditions. This method ensures that participants have an equal chance of being assigned to any of the conditions being tested. As a result, any individual characteristics, such as age, gender, intelligence, or background, are evenly distributed across the experimental groups. This balance is crucial because it minimizes the potential biases that could arise from these individual differences influencing the outcome of the experiment. Consequently, any observed effects in the dependent variable can be more confidently attributed to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than to pre-existing differences among participants.

This foundational aspect of experimental design enhances the internal validity of a study, allowing researchers to draw more reliable conclusions regarding cause-and-effect relationships.