| Random Sampling | Random Assignment |
|---|
| A sampling technique in which a sample of participants that is representative of the population is obtained | A control measure in which participants in a sample are randomly assigned to the groups or conditions in an experiment |
| Used in experiments and some other research methods such as correlational studies and surveys | Used only in experiments |
| Allows researcher to generalize the findings to the relevant population | Allows researcher to control for possible influences of individual characteristics of the participants on the behavior(s) of interest |