TY - JOUR
T1 - Teaching Random Assignment
T2 - A Classroom Demonstration Using a Deck of Playing Cards
AU - Enders, Craig K.
AU - Stuetzle, Rick
AU - Laurenceau, Jean Philippe
PY - 2006/10
Y1 - 2006/10
N2 - Despite its apparent simplicity, random assignment is an abstract concept for many students. This article describes a classroom demonstration that uses a standard deck of playing cards. In small groups, students randomly assign playing cards (i.e., participants) to 2 treatment groups. Following randomization, students compare the relative frequency of “background variables� across the 2 groups (e.g., the number of red, black, face cards, spades). A pretest–posttest design indicated that quiz scores increased following the demonstration. We suggest a number of possible extensions for the demonstration.
AB - Despite its apparent simplicity, random assignment is an abstract concept for many students. This article describes a classroom demonstration that uses a standard deck of playing cards. In small groups, students randomly assign playing cards (i.e., participants) to 2 treatment groups. Following randomization, students compare the relative frequency of “background variables� across the 2 groups (e.g., the number of red, black, face cards, spades). A pretest–posttest design indicated that quiz scores increased following the demonstration. We suggest a number of possible extensions for the demonstration.
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U2 - 10.1207/s15328023top3304_5
DO - 10.1207/s15328023top3304_5
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:33846330943
SN - 0098-6283
VL - 33
SP - 239
EP - 242
JO - Teaching of Psychology
JF - Teaching of Psychology
IS - 4
ER -