Which method is considered the "gold standard" in clinical research?
A) randomized controlled trials
B) meta-analyses
C) natural experiments
D) naturalistic observation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in clinical research because they provide the most rigorous method for testing the effectiveness of a treatment or intervention. In these trials, participants are randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group, which helps to control for confounding variables and isolate the effects of the treatment being tested. This method allows researchers to draw stronger conclusions about the cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment and the outcome being measured.

Which Method Is Considered the "Gold Standard" in Clinical Research