Randy says:
 
One thing that often bothers me in protocols is when researchers use  the
words "randomly chosen" instead of "arbitrarily chosen."  The latter  allows
investigator bias
 
Actually, the process should always be randomly chosen - although  Randy is 
right in that the goal is random, but the selection isn't  always.
 
The best approach is to set the criteria for 'acceptable' colonies  (e.g., 
they must be queen right, have x number frames of bees, y number frames  
brood, etc.)  From that set, then use a random number generator and  assign the 
controls, treatments, etc.  
 
However, if you walk out in the beeyard and just pick (random)  colonies, 
then you aren't truly random, subject to bias.
 
We usually have a 3rd party generate the random numbers and colony  
treatment assignments back at the office/lab - someone who has never seen the  
colonies.
 
Jerry
 

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