Editing 1462: Blind Trials
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==Explanation== | ==Explanation== | ||
− | In research, a {{w|Blind Experiment|blind trial}} is an experiment where certain information about the test is concealed from the subjects and/or the testers, in order to reduce sources of bias in the results. A | + | {{incomplete|Created by a BOT - Please change this comment when editing this page.}} |
+ | In research, a {{w|Blind Experiment|blind trial}} is an experiment where certain information about the test is concealed from the subjects and/or the testers, in order to reduce sources of bias in the results. A scientific approach requires the use of {{w|control groups}} to determine the significance of observations in (clinical) trials. The members of the control group receive either no treatment or the standard treatment. | ||
− | A | + | A double-blind trial is one where neither the subject nor the testers know who has recieved treatment, and who is in the control group. It is vital that there are no clues available to distinguish between the different groups, either for the subjects or the testers. In a clinical drugs trial for example, it would not be suitable for some people to be given blue pills and others red pills, so an identical placebo pill should be used, typically a sugar pill with no medical value. |
− | + | There are, however, certain cases where it is almost impossible to make the experience of the control group identical to that of the test group. In the described experiment, it will be challenging (to say the least) to make the control group think they are having lots of sex, when in fact they are just taking a sugar pill. | |
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− | There are, however, certain cases where it is almost impossible to make the experience of the control group identical to that of the test group. | ||
Scientific research involving humans is extremely challenging to conduct because of the difficulty in finding appropriate control groups. This is one of the reasons animal experiments (for instance involving inbred strains of mice) are so common. | Scientific research involving humans is extremely challenging to conduct because of the difficulty in finding appropriate control groups. This is one of the reasons animal experiments (for instance involving inbred strains of mice) are so common. | ||
− | The title text adds another twist by taking “blind” literally, and noting that for some people, being blindfolded increases their enjoyment of sexual activity | + | The title text adds another twist by taking “blind” literally, and noting that for some people, being blindfolded increases their enjoyment of sexual activity. |
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==Transcript== | ==Transcript== | ||
− | :[Megan is pointing at | + | :[Megan is pointing at a chart.] |
:Megan: We've designed a double-blind trial to test the effect of sexual activity on cardiovascular health. | :Megan: We've designed a double-blind trial to test the effect of sexual activity on cardiovascular health. | ||
− | :Both groups will ''think'' they're having lots of sex, but one group will actually | + | :Both groups will ''think'' they're having lots of sex, but one group will be actually getting sugar pills. |
+ | :[Caption reads] | ||
:The limitations of blind trials | :The limitations of blind trials | ||
{{comic discussion}} | {{comic discussion}} | ||
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