Which of the following is ideal to ensure similarity between experimental & control groups: (A) Randomization, (B) Stratified randomization, (C) Matching, (D) Cross over study
Answer is B. Stratified randomization: Study population is ‘first stratified’ by each variable which is considered important, and then randomization is done to each treatment groups within each stratum.
- Comparison groups become similar as possible as regards participant characteristics that might influence the response to the intervention
- Equal numbers of participants with a characteristic thought to affect prognosis or response to the intervention will be allocated to each comparison group.
- Stratification increase the likelihood that two groups will be more comparable.