Researchers select a random sample of 200 employees from a large company and randomly assign 100 to a new flexible-schedule policy and 100 to the standard schedule. After 6 months they compare productivity.
Which scope of inference is appropriate?
- A
Generalization only, no causal inference
- Bcheck_circle
Cause-and-effect can be inferred and results generalized to all employees of the company
- C
Neither causal inference nor generalization
- D
Cause-and-effect inference only, no generalization
Explanation
Random sampling allows generalization to the population (the company); random assignment allows causal inference. Both random elements are present, so both conclusions are justified.