A study of an experimental blood thinner was conducted to determine whether it works better than the simple aspirin tablet in warding off heart attacks and strokes. The study involved 20,000 people who had suffered heart attacks, strokes, or pain from clogged arteries. Each person was randomly assigned to take either aspirin or the experimental drug for 1 to 3 years. Assume that each person was equally likely to be assigned one of the two medications.
Devise a randomization plan to assign the medications to the patients.

Will there be an equal number of patients in each treatment group? Explain.

Question

A study of an experimental blood thinner was conducted to determine whether it works better than the simple aspirin tablet in warding off heart attacks and strokes. The study involved 20,000 people who had suffered heart attacks, strokes, or pain from clogged arteries. Each person was randomly assigned to take either aspirin or the experimental drug for 1 to 3 years. Assume that each person was equally likely to be assigned one of the two medications.
Devise a randomization plan to assign the medications to the patients.
________________________________________________________
Will there be an equal number of patients in each treatment group? Explain.
________________________________________________________

Angel Donaire · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : Answers will vary. For example: Since each patient must be randomly assigned to either aspirin or the experimental drug with equal probability, assign the digits 0-4 to the aspirin treatment, and the digits 5-9 to the experimental drug treatment. As each patient enters the study, choose a random digit using the table of random numbers in your book and assign the appropriate treatment.; Answers will vary. For example: The randomization scheme in part (a) does not guarantee an equal number of patients in each group.

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