Calling on Students in Random Order

Once a month, our principal gives us a copy of the publication called "Better Teaching." I often skim through quickly, but in the December issue, there is an article under "Teaching Tips" called "Call on students in random order." See the article below:

You ask a question. A few hands--the same hands--go up. Research shows you're letting other students off the hook. If students don't think they'll be called on , they can let a class (or two) slide by. Pretty soon, they're falling behind.

The solution? Call on students in random order. Here's how:
-Put all names in a basket (or write them on wooden sticks).
-Pull names out randomly.
-Return the names so no one is ever "off the hook."
-Consider giving students one "free pass" for a question they simply can't answer.

One teacher created a computer program to randomly generate names. Later, she conducted research on student behavior. She learned that students:
-Showed up for classes more prepared.
-Paid more attention to what the teacher was saying.
-Did their homework.

In other words, they did all the things that led to success in class.
________
Source: "Bias-Busting Tech Keeps Students Focused," eSchool News, www.eschoolnews.com.

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What do you all think about this? I tend not to call on students who do not raise their hands because I worry about my students' fearing me or my class (think Parker Palmer).
I also find it problematic that this article does not address any pedagogical tools the teacher may use when presenting information or engaging with the students and material in class. I would be interested to see the research that "shows [I'm] letting other students off the hook."