RCTs Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the "gold standard" in research that attempt to identify some type of causal relationship between an independent variable and dependent measure (Kraemer, Wilson, Fairburn, & Agras, 2002). The reason for this is that the process of random assignment to treatment groups or to the groups that receive the independent variable statistically controls for all the individual differences occurring in the participants that could affect the outcome except for the variable of interest (Kraemer et al., 2002). The control condition in an RCT allows for comparisons between the different levels of the independent variable and no intervention at all. This is particularly important in medical studies where a particular condition such as depression or some illness may change over time without any type of intervention or treatment. RCTs are not a remedy for poorly designed research methodologies and they do not reduce experimenter bias, certain expectations that the participants have, and measurement errors (Jackson, 2012). In order to reduce experimenter bias and expectations in the participants the use of double blind RCT's, where neither the researchers nor the participants know what condition of the experiment they have been assigned to, are considered...
First, sample sizes typically need to be larger than in many types of correlational research. Secondly, there are certain types of subject variables that cannot be randomly assigned such as gender, some type of congenital problem, etc. When looking at specific influences on what causes people to develop a specific disorder or a specific attitude one cannot randomly assigned subjects to research conditions, where they will develop some specific problems such as drug abuse, would be unethical (you cannot assign human subjects to a condition that will result in their developing a disorder or expose them to harmful conditions). In cases where diseases such as HIV are being investigated it is not ethical to use a pure control group where people with HIV get no intervention. In these cases the new medications are compared to existing medications and there is no true control group. RCTs are not appropriate for research studies that are not looking at specific cause and effect relationships. Finally, the use of randomized assignment and blind experimental conditions only allows researchers to…
This can lead to social isolation, disapproval and prejudice, and shame and feelings of immorality (2008). Arreola et al. (2009) state that LGBM are one of the groups that participate in some of the riskiest sexual behaviors among gay and bisexual men. This prevalence of risky behavior among gay and bisexual men is higher in instances where the men have been sexually abused as a child; it is even higher
Randomized Control Trial on Obesity Funding Justification The health of children is significantly, negatively affected by obesity. The effects last through to one’s adult life. Obesity prevention initiatives are, therefore, seriously regarded across the globe and remain a priority. The urge for interventions based on evidence is overwhelming in modern day healthcare practice; more so for families with obese or overweight parents. A randomized control trial is, therefore, necessary (Johansson et al.
Assessing the quality of quantitative research Question 1: Study purpose/question (a) Did the study have a clearly stated purpose/research question? Yes (b) Explain your response below: The study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of the mobile service so as to determine the most suitable sample size and to refine
Treatments of Bulimia Nervosa THE BEST OPTION Evaluation of Combined Therapy for Bulimia Nervosa Description and Significance Bulimia nervosa, simply bulimia or BN, refers to uncontrolled overeating or binging and then eliminating what has been eaten (SJH, 2012; Grange et al., 2004). Recent reports show alarming increases in the incidence, which now adolescents and pre-adolescents. The latest population statistics say that about 27.3 of the U.S. population is between 12 and 19 years old.
There are a variety of approaches to diagnosis and treatment in American acupuncture that incorporates medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Vietnam, and France. " (2002) The American Medical Association additionally reports: "Acupuncture has been used by millions of American patients and performed by over 5,000 U.S. physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners for relief or prevention of pain and for a variety of health conditions. After reviewing the
6) Again, all groups were by the end of the study essentially the same in that they had each served as controls, placebo recipients, and recipients of either one or two interventional medicines. The same periods of medication and testing were utilized for all participants in all groups of the study throughout the period during which the research took place. 7) According to the researchers, the completion of a crossover study such as
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