Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is a scientific study used to test the effectiveness of a treatment or intervention. Participants are randomly assigned to either a treatment group, which receives the intervention, or a control group, which does not. This random assignment helps ensure that the groups are similar and that any differences in outcomes can be attributed to the treatment itself. RCTs are considered a gold standard in research because they minimize bias and provide strong evidence about causality, helping researchers determine whether a new drug, therapy, or procedure works as intended.
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A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is a scientific study designed to test the effectiveness of a treatment or intervention. In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to two groups: one that receives the treatment and another that does not (the control group). This random assignment helps eliminate bias, ensuring that differences in outcomes are due to the treatment itself rather than other factors. Researchers then compare the results from both groups to see if the treatment has a significant effect, providing strong evidence about its efficacy or safety. RCTs are considered the gold standard in clinical research.