Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
Research participants are involved in a trial that incidentally separates them into two groups. One group receives an intervention, while the other group does not. Both groups are compared for outcomes. What type of research method is this?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group, ensuring that both groups are similar at the start of the trial. This minimizes bias and allows for comparing the outcomes of the intervention group with the control group. This design helps establish a cause-effect relationship between the intervention and the outcomes.
Choice A (Experimental design) is not specific enough as there are various types of experimental designs. Choice B (Double-blind experiment) refers to a study where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the intervention, which is not the case here. Choice D (Repeated measures design) involves measuring the same participants at different time points, not separating them into different groups.
Choice A (Experimental design) is not specific enough as there are various types of experimental designs. Choice B (Double-blind experiment) refers to a study where neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the intervention, which is not the case here. Choice D (Repeated measures design) involves measuring the same participants at different time points, not separating them into different groups.