Randomized controlled trial
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a scientific study design commonly used in the fields of medicine, psychology, and social sciences to evaluate the effectiveness of a new intervention or treatment. In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group that receives the intervention or a control group that does not.
About
In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group that receives the intervention or a control group that does not. This randomization helps ensure that any differences observed between the groups can be attributed to the intervention itself and not to other factors. RCTs are considered the gold standard for determining the causal relationship between an intervention and its outcomes. This Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of RCTs, covering their history, design considerations, types, benefits, limitations, and controversies. It also discusses various statistical analysis methods used in RCTs and provides examples of well-known RCTs conducted in different fields. The page also highlights ethical considerations, such as informed consent and monitoring participant safety, that must be taken into account when conducting RCTs. Overall, the Wikipedia page on randomized controlled trials is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the methodology, significance, and application of RCTs in scientific research.