In this lesson, among other things, we learned:

• Identify three benefits of randomization
• Distinguish simple randomization from constrained randomization.
• State the purpose of randomization in permuted blocks.
• State the objective of stratified randomization.
• Contrast the benefits of permuted blocks to those of adaptive randomization schemes.
• Use a SAS program to produce a permuted blocks randomization plan.
• Use an allocation ratio that will maximize statistical power in the situation where greater variability is expected in one treatment group than the other.
• Provide the rationale against randomizing prior to informed consent.