What is the main purpose of randomization in clinical trials?

The main purpose of randomization in clinical trials is to eliminate bias in treatment groups. By randomly assigning participants to different treatment groups, researchers can ensure that any differences observed in outcomes can be attributed to the treatments themselves rather than to other confounding factors. This process helps to create comparable groups that should be similar in all respects except for the treatment being received.

Randomization plays a crucial role in enhancing the internal validity of the trial, as it minimizes selection bias and helps balance both known and unknown variables between the groups. This is vital for drawing accurate conclusions about the efficacy and safety of the interventions being tested.

In contrast, while randomization may have an impact on simplifying data analysis and improving compliance with protocols, those are not its primary purposes. Furthermore, cost management is generally a practical consideration rather than a fundamental goal of the randomization process. Thus, the focus on eliminating bias clearly highlights the significance of randomization in ensuring the integrity of the trial results.