by Alec Chavez
What does it mean?
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which the scientists randomize human subjects into receiving either the control treatment/placebo or the experimental treatment. This design ensures that any differences seen between the groups are due to the effect of the treatment alone.
How do I use it in a sentence?
Scientists wanted to test the effect of a steroid medication on treating the flu. Therefore, they designed a RCT in which hospital patients diagnosed with the flu are recruited and randomized into receiving the steroid treatment (experimental group) or receiving the standard care (control group). Following the completion of the experiment, the scientists found no difference between groups in terms of recovery from the flu. Therefore, they concluded the steroid medication was not any more effective than the standard care the patients already receive. A schematic of this experimental design is outlined above.
Related Terms
–Bias
