The major purpose of random assignment in a clinical trial is to: a. Help ensure that study subjects are represen tative of the general population b. Facilitate double blinding (masking) c. Facilitate...

The major purpose of random assignment in a clinical trial is to: a. Help ensure that study subjects are represen tative of the general population b. Facilitate double blinding (masking) c. Facilitate the measurement of outcome variables d. Ensure that the study groups have compara ble baseline characteristics e. Reduce selection bias in the allocation of treatment