Randomisation
Randomisation is the random allocation of experimental units to different treatment conditions. It ensures that differences between treatment groups are due to the treatment itself and not to systematic differences in how units were assigned. Common methods include random number generation, drawing from a hat, or computer-based randomization.
Real World
In Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine trial, over 43,000 participants were randomly allocated to receive either the vaccine or a placebo using computer-generated randomisation, ensuring age and health conditions were balanced across groups.
Exam Focus
Distinguish randomisation (allocating units to treatments) from random sampling (selecting units from a population) — examiners penalise confusion.
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