Suppose you come across an experiment or observational study in ...

[joe]

Suppose you come across an experiment or observational study in which a random sample was not used. To what extent can (should) the results be extended to a larger population?

Question 2

What is the main purpose of using random assignment in experiments?

[kxciann]

Answer to Question 1

IT DEPENDS ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE STUDY ARE REPRESENTATIVE OF THAT LARGER POPULATION IN TERMS OF THE VARIABLES BEING STUDIED. THIS CAN BE SERIOUS ENOUGH TO NEGATE THE CONCLUSIONS ALTOGETHER.

Answer to Question 2

TO EVEN OUT CONFOUNDING VARIABLES ACROSS TREATMENTS AND OPEN UP THE POSSIBILITY FOR A CAUSE AND EFFECT CONCLUSION.

[joe]

TYSM

[amandalm]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it