Asked by David Merrifield on May 18, 2024
Verified
In evaluating drug therapies, a method of controlling for spontaneous improvements might be __________.
A) to carry out a longitudinal study on all of the participants
B) to administer before and after tests with many participants
C) to use a comparison group of untreated participants that has the same diagnosis
D) to simultaneously give each subject a placebo along with the medication
Spontaneous Improvements
The unexpected or unplanned enhancements in performance or conditions without specific intervention.
Longitudinal Study
Research that follows the same subjects over a period of time, observing changes or developments in them.
Untreated Participants
Individuals involved in a study or clinical trial who have not received the experimental treatment, intervention, or therapy, often serving as the control group.
- Understand the importance of the placebo effect and the need to control for it when assessing the effectiveness of treatments.
Verified Answer
CS
Caroline Segovia
May 20, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
Using a comparison group of untreated participants that has the same diagnosis allows for controlling for spontaneous improvements because any improvements seen in the treatment group can be compared to the same changes seen in the control group. This helps to determine if any improvements seen in the treatment group are due to the drug therapy or simply to the natural course of the illness. Choices A, B, and D do not specifically control for spontaneous improvements.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the importance of the placebo effect and the need to control for it when assessing the effectiveness of treatments.