Teaching Random Assignment: A Classroom Demonstration Using a Deck of Playing Cards

Craig K. Enders, Rick Stuetzle, Jean Philippe Laurenceau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)239-242
Number of pages4
JournalTeaching of Psychology
Volume33
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • General Psychology

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