Reynaldo is reviewing a study on the effectiveness of a new drug-free remedy for depression. In the study, a group of participants was given a natural supplement for a period of six weeks. They rated their mood both before and after treatment. Two-thirds of the group reported a marked improvement after the trial. What change in this study would do the most to increase Reynaldo's confidence that sound scientific practices were followed?

Question

anonymous · Answer

HANDING OUT A PLACEBO

even better:

cross groups. ie give the placebo to one group and the supplement to another, then switch groups.

blues · Answer

Or a double blind study would be good too: one in which the clinicians interacting with patients don't know which group gets the placebo.

Double blind clinical trials are the "gold standard" of statistical medicine.