Definition:Randomized Block

Definition

A randomized block is a grouping of experimental units.

The number of units in each block must be a multiple of the number of treatments.

This of course includes the case where the number of units is equal to the number of treatments.

Each treatment is applied to exactly the same number of units in each block, and is allocated to those units within each block at random.

Examples

Arbitrary Example

Let $5$ different growth hormones be tested on piglets.

Then using $5$ piglets from the same litter to form each block would reduce genetic differences.

Also known as

A randomized block is also known just as a block.

Also see

• Results about randomized blocks can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): randomized blocks
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): randomized blocks