double-blind clinical trials

A double-blind clinical trial is a research study designed to test the effectiveness of a new treatment or medication. In this type of trial, neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the treatment and who is receiving a placebo (a dummy treatment). This helps prevent bias, ensuring that the results are due to the treatment itself rather than participants’ or researchers’ expectations. By keeping both parties unaware, the trial can produce more reliable and objective data on how well the treatment works and whether it has any side effects.