Description
Return imbalance after one proposed arm assignment.
Allocation bookkeeping distinguishes arm counts, indexing and vocabulary matches from generation of a concealed random sequence. Floored targets can leave unassigned remainders, and a local balance score does not establish that an allocation method protects a trial from selection bias.
Return imbalance after one proposed arm assignment.
When to use this tool
Use Trial Minimization Supplied Arm Imbalance Term when checking the stated clinical-research record, allocation, timing, analysis or evidence-basis convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter currentCounts, targetWeights, candidateArm, totalAfter. Keep parallel arrays aligned. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read projectedCounts, absoluteImbalance. Use the output convention below.
Return imbalance after one proposed arm assignment. Require aligned nonnegative whole counts/positive target weights, valid candidateArm and totalAfter = sum(counts)+1; increment candidate count and sum absolute deviations from target-proportional totals.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| currentCounts | Current Counts | Required. Array of safe integer; maximum items 256. |
| targetWeights | Target Weights | Required. Array of finite number; maximum items 256. |
| candidateArm | Candidate Arm | Required. Safe integer; minimum 0. |
| totalAfter | Total After | Required. Safe integer; minimum 1. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| projectedCounts | Projected Counts | Required. Array of safe integer; maximum items 256. |
| absoluteImbalance | Absolute Imbalance | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"currentCounts": [
3,
2
],
"targetWeights": [
1,
1
],
"candidateArm": 1,
"totalAfter": 6
},
"output": {
"projectedCounts": [
3,
3
],
"absoluteImbalance": 0
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- This is one candidate score, not a complete minimization scheme, randomization policy or protection against selection bias.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use the complete approved protocol, authenticated source records and qualified clinical/statistical oversight for actual trial design, conduct and interpretation.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Trial Study Arm Allocation Ratio Term
Return ideal and floored trial-arm allocations.
- Trial Stratification One Factor Code
Map one factor value to a supplied stratum code.