Quiz 3, Module Randomized
3. What is the purpose of placebo control in the study design as outlined above?
- To ensure that the clinicians and study investigators are unaware of the exposure status of the individuals in the study
- To account for the "placebo effect" and to minimize the possibility that individuals in the study know what treatment they have been assigned to
- To ensure that individuals in both the treatment and placebo groups actually take the drug that they are administered
Answer (a) —
incorrect:
While placebo control can aid in masking the exposure status of individuals to the researchers, it is not sufficient to do so. This requires blinding.
Answer (b) —
correct:
Using a placebo control serves the dual role of accounting for the possibility that individuals who believe they are receiving the study drug will show a beneficial effect of treatment (the "placebo effect") and to prevent individuals from actually knowing whether they are taking an active treatment or not.
Answer (c) —
incorrect:
Although having a placebo which looks very much like the "active" drug may aid in compliance, it cannot guarantee that individuals actually take the treatment that they are randomized to receive.
