randomized controlled trial
Quick Summary
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a study design used in medicine to determine the effectiveness of a new treatment or drug. It involves comparing two groups of patients: an experimental group that receives the treatment and a control group that receives a placebo or no treatment.12
The key to an RCT is randomization, where patients are randomly assigned to either group. This helps ensure that the groups are as similar as possible, minimizing bias and allowing researchers to confidently attribute any observed differences to the treatment itself.12
In a double-blind trial, neither the patient nor the researcher knows who is receiving the actual treatment, further enhancing objectivity. Ethical committees review RCT proposals to ensure patient safety and informed consent.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.