2.10 Optional: Random allocation

This question is optional; e.g., if you need more practice, or you are studying for the exam.

(Answers are available in Sect.A.2)

For a small pilot study, Sam allocated \(12\) students (\(6\) males and \(6\) females) to one of two groups. In the Report associated with the study, Sam stated that the \(12\) students were

...randomly allocated to one of two groups (Group A or Group B).

Different interventions were applied to each group. A reviewer, however, noted that all the subjects in Group A were male, and all the subjects in Group B were female.

Would this be a problem? Why?
Do you agree with Sam, that the subjects really were allocated to the groups at random? Explain your answer.