A group of researchers is designing an experiment to test whether a new teaching method is more effective than traditional methods in helping middle school students develop algebra skills. The researchers selected a sample of 200 middle school students, and over the next semester, 100 of them will be taught algebra in classes using the new teaching method whereas the remaining 100 will be taught algebra in classes using traditional methods. At the end of the semester, the researchers will compare the the algebra exam scores of the students taught under both methods.

Why is it important that the rescarchers use randomization to assign each of the middle school students to a class?

(A) Randomization ensures that there will be an equal number of middle school students in each class.
(B) Randomization prevents lhe middle school students from selecting their own class.
(C) Randomization ensures each class will be similar in everything except the teaching methods used.
(D) Randomization eliminates lurking variables from the experiment.
(E) Randomization prevents the researchers from specifically assigning all students with strong math skills to be taught algebra in classes using the new teaching method.