What are RCTs?
Participants are randomly selected into the study
What is the hierarchy for study designs? (relevant to the course)
Systematic Reviews, Meta Analyses, RCTS, Cohort Studies, Case-Control Studies, Cross-Sectional
What is the difference between a parallel and cross-over design?
In parallel designs, groups only receive on treatment for the duration of the study. In cross-over designs, groups are given a treatment and a wash out period in which the groups will switch treatments
What is the importance of having a control/comparison group?
Conclusions cannot be made if the study is not being compared to anything
What is a positive control?
Control is given a treatment with a known outcome/result.
What is a negative control?
Control is not given treatment or given a placebo
What is the importance of randomization?
Equal probabilities of allocation, minimizes confounding bias, and increases internal validity
What is blinding?
Withholding information about the treatment groups
What is the difference between single, double, and triple blinding?
Potential blinded subjects: Participants, Outcome assessor, Data analyst
Single blinding involves one of the three, doubling blinding involves two of the three, and triple blinding involves all three.
What are the ethical considerations with RCTs?
- Is it justifiable?
- Does it answer the research question?
- Are risks minimized and benefits maximized?
- Was consent given?
- Is confidentiality and accuracy maintained?
