Randomistas and the importance of random-assignment studies

Nearly all scientists are now convinced that the most reliable way to create knowledge about human health and behavior is to conduct random-assignment studies—an experimental technique that compares two equivalent groups randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group.

In his new book Randomistas, Andrew Leigh—an economist and member of Australian parliament—explores the history of random assignment studies, providing examples of impactful studies and explaining how this seemingly simple and straightforward approach to scientific study has greatly increased knowledge in many areas of social and medical science.

On July 12, Brookings hosted Mr. Leigh for a discussion of his new book featuring Thomas D. Cook, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Northwestern University and author or editor of 10 books on research, research design, and evaluation, Rebecca Maynard, professor of education and social policy at University of Pennsylvania, and Jon Baron, Vice President of Evidence-Based Policy at the Laura and John Arnold Foundation.

Speakers took questions from the audience.