Randomized clinical trial

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Randomized Clinical Trial

A Randomized Clinical Trial (pronounced: ran·duh·myzed kli·ni·kul try·uhl), also known as a Randomized Control Trial (RCT), is a type of scientific experiment that aims to reduce bias when testing a new treatment. The people participating in the trial are randomly allocated to either the group receiving the treatment under investigation or to a group receiving standard treatment (or placebo treatment) as the control.

Etymology

The term "Randomized Clinical Trial" originates from the method of randomization used in these trials. Randomization (pronounced: ran·duh·my·zay·shun) is a process of making something random; in various contexts, this involves, for example, generating a random permutation of a sequence (such as when shuffling cards), selecting a random sample of a population, or allocating experimental units via random assignment.

Process

In a Randomized Clinical Trial, the study subjects are randomly assigned to one of two groups: the experimental group receiving the intervention that is being tested, or the control group receiving an alternative treatment. The results are assessed by comparing outcomes in the two groups. This method is used to eliminate bias in the results, as the allocation to receive the experimental treatment is not determined by human choice.

Related Terms

  • Blind experiment: An experiment in which information about the test is kept from the participant until after the test. Blinding can reduce or eliminate bias.
  • Placebo: A substance or treatment which is designed to have no therapeutic value. Common placebos include inert tablets, inert injections, sham surgery, and other procedures.
  • Control Group: The group in an experiment or study that does not receive treatment by the researchers and is then used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested subjects do.
  • Experimental Group: The group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested. One variable is tested in order to analyze its effect on the subjects.

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