What type of design utilizes random assignment to groups in order to control for variables?

The random group design is a research method that relies on the principle of random assignment to allocate participants into different groups. This process is essential as it helps to minimize the impact of confounding variables, ensuring that each group is comparable at the outset of the experiment. By randomly assigning individuals to groups, researchers can effectively control for individual differences that could skew the results, making it easier to attribute any differences observed in outcomes directly to the treatment or intervention being studied.

In a random group design, researchers typically have a treatment group that receives the intervention and a control group that does not. This structure allows for a clear comparison between the groups, leading to more robust conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the intervention in question.

In contrast, other research designs mentioned involve different methodologies. Matched pairs design focuses on pairing participants based on similar characteristics rather than random assignment. Single-baseline experiments often analyze behavior changes over time with one subject or group rather than employing group comparisons. Crossover designs involve participants receiving multiple treatments in a sequential manner, which does not emphasize random group allocation. Thus, the pivotal role of random assignment in controlling for variables distinctly characterizes the random group design methodology.