In a medical study that is double-blind, participants do not know whether they are taking the experimental drug. This is to avoid:
A) selection bias.
B) the placebo effect.
C) having too small a sample.
D) statistical significance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Double-blind studies are designed to avoid the placebo effect, which occurs when a participant's belief about receiving a treatment affects their response to it. By ensuring that both the participant and the researcher administering the drug are unaware of whether the drug being administered is the experimental drug or a placebo, researchers can better control for the effect of expectation on the results of the study. Selection bias, sample size, and statistical significance are issues that may arise in any study, but they are not directly related to the use of a double-blind design.

In a Medical Study That Is Double-Blind, Participants Do Not