2.9 Optional: Random allocation

(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.