Peer Review

Research Randomizer

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Nov 29, 2017 by Psychology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The Research Randomizer website offers the following description: “Research Randomizer is a free resource for researchers and students in need of a quick way to generate random numbers or assign participants to experimental conditions. This site can be used for a variety of purposes, including psychology experiments, medical trials, and survey research.”

Type of Material:

Development Tool. This is an interactive resources that generates random numbers for use in random selection and random assignment.

Recommended Uses:

This interactive resource would be useful as an in-class demonstration when discussing random selection and random assignment. (It would be particularly valuable to number off students in the class and "select" students for an activity using this tool; or assign students to groups using the tool to demonstrate random assignment.)

In addition, the tool is valuable for applied researchers who need to generate random numbers to implement their research.

Technical Requirements:

All that Research Randomizer requires is a standard web browser connected to the Internet (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer). No specialized software, plugins, or extensions are required.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

The purpose of this site is: 1) Learn about random selection and random assignment; 2) Generate random numbers to aid in random selection 3) Generate random numbers to aid in random assignment (or block random assignment).

Target Student Population:

Students in undergraduate through graduate programs will benefit from this material. Learning activities about random selection and random assignment and research courses would be particularly relevant, and researchers also will find a quick and easy way to generate random numbers.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

For quick, intuitive use, it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of random selection and random assignment. However, for students with no background on this topic, the tool does have built-in tutorials to walk them through the selection process and to help them understand what the various options mean.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The tool is very flexible and offers a simple form that allows one to easily generate random numbers; it is valuable for both in-class or applied research use. There are built-in tutorials to help users navigate the options. Options are sufficient but not overwhelming. Output is clear and easy to understand.

The site includes many links on random number generation, random sampling, random assignment, research methods, conducting research online, and ethics.

Concerns:

None.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Research Randomizer offers a good demonstration of random selection and random assignment in action. The inclusion of lessons/tutorials and related how-to information adds to the value.

The site is simple to use and allows one to assign groups quickly and easily.

Concerns:

None.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The design is simple and clear.

All resource links are relevant and functional.

The site has modern appeal with easy, clear navigation.

If one has already used randomization, the site it simple. If not, the site offers tutorials and additional resources.

Concerns:

None.

Other Issues and Comments:: Research Randomizer is a useful tool to support the implementation of research. The design is clear and intuitive.
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