08. RCT

Question 1

Types of randomization

Answer 1

Simple randomization; stratified randomization; Cross-over randomization; Factorial design

Question 2

Simple randomization

Answer 2

Random assignment of sample into study groups

Question 3

Stratified (block) randomization

Answer 3

ID potentially confounding variables (i.e. sex) and separate sample into groups according to these, then randomly assign patients to experimental and control groups within each confounding variable group

Question 4

Cross-over randomization

Answer 4

Random assignment of sample into experimental and control groups, and then switch 1/2 way through study.

Question 5

Factorial design

Answer 5

Random assignment to one of 4 groups; Group 1 = Receives intervention A&B; Group 2 = Intervention A only; Group 3 = Intervention B only; Group 4 = No intervention

Question 6

Types of blinding

Answer 6

Single Blind; Double blind

Question 7

Single Blind

Answer 7

Patient OR investigator unaware of which tx being given

Question 8

Double Blind

Answer 8

Patient AND investigator unware of which tx being given

Question 9

Advantages of RCT

Answer 9

Randomization balances prognostic factors across study groups; Dose level can be predetermined; Blinding reduces bias

Question 10

Disadvantages of RCT

Answer 10

Subject exclusions may limit ability to generalizae findings to other patients; Long time is require to reach conclusions; Large # of participants required; Financial costs are high; Ethical concerns; Subjects may be non-compliant with tx

Question 11

Types of studies that RCTs are used with

Answer 11

Therapy (double blind RCT); Diagnosis; Prevention; Quality improvement; NOT ETIOLOGY

Question 12

Types of studies that cohorts are used with

Answer 12

Prognosis; Etiology; Prevention

Question 13

Types of studies that case-control are used with

Answer 13

Prognosis