What does randomization mean?
Randomization is the process of making something random, or of using chance to determine an outcome. It is especially important in research, where randomly assigning participants to groups can help ensure that the groups are comparable and that the researcher does not unconsciously influence the result. In computing, randomization can refer to generating apparently random data or changing the order of items, often through a pseudorandom number generator. The word is more formal than everyday alternatives such as “mixing up” or “shuffling,” and it usually describes a deliberate procedure rather than the general quality of being random. Its British spelling is “randomisation.”
nounThe process of making something random, especially by using random selection or random numbers to determine outcomes. In computing, it refers to producing randomized data or arranging items in random order.
- The process of making something random.
- The use of random selection to assign subjects, treatments, or other elements in a study or procedure.
- The production of apparently random data, especially by computer.
"The randomization of the experiment ensured that participants were assigned to groups without bias."
"Randomization of the sample helped reduce selection bias."
"The software uses randomization to vary the order in which questions are presented."
Used when referring to separate instances or procedures of randomization.
"The researchers compared two different randomizations of the data."
In computing, “random” data is often generated by a pseudorandom number generator: the output appears random but is produced by a deterministic algorithm.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does randomization come from?
Randomization is formed from the adjective “random” and the suffix “-ization,” which indicates the process of making or performing something. “Random” entered English in the early 18th century from the Middle Dutch “rande,” meaning “rushing” or “running.” The mathematical sense developed later, and the related nouns “randomness” and “randomization” followed as the idea of chance selection became important in statistics and computing.
Related word forms
How randomization is actually used
The word is most common in academic, scientific, statistical, and technical contexts. In British English, “randomisation” is also common.
Easily confused with randomization
Randomness is the quality or state of being random, whereas randomization is the act or process of making something random.
Arbitrariness means being based on personal whim or an unreasonable choice, while randomization is a systematic process for producing random outcomes.