In the experimental evaluation of a new drug, a placebo serves the purpose of:
A) preventing errors in recording of the data.
B) removing the bias of the physician in charge of the experiment.
C) removing the potential psychological bias of the patient in the study.
D) preventing sampling errors from compromising the results of the experiment.
E) increasing the sample size.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A placebo is used to remove the potential psychological bias of the patient by making them unaware of whether they are receiving the actual treatment or not, thus isolating the drug's effect from the placebo effect.

In the Experimental Evaluation of a New Drug, a Placebo