What is the primary objective of randomization procedures in clinical trials?

• A. To ensure unbiased assignment of participants to treatment groups.
• B. To guarantee the fastest possible enrollment.
• C. To allow investigators to select preferred treatments.
• D. To maximize blinding without predefined protocols.

Answer: (A)

Randomization prevents selection bias by assigning participants to treatment groups by chance, which helps ensure the groups are comparable on known and unknown prognostic factors. This balance makes it possible to attribute observed differences in outcomes to the treatments rather than to preexisting differences between participants. Allocation concealment supports this by preventing investigators from predicting or influencing assignments. While blinding can reduce bias in assessment, the primary aim of randomization is unbiased, comparable groups, not faster enrollment, clinician preference, or maximizing blinding without a predefined plan.