Week 10 [Intervention Studies]

Question 1

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Answer 1

A type of experimental study where participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group (receiving the intervention) or a control group (receiving a placebo or no intervention), to assess the effectiveness of an intervention.

Question 2

Cross-over Study

Answer 2

A type of study in which participants receive both the treatment and the control or alternative treatment at different points in time, allowing for comparison within the same individuals.

Question 3

Quasi-experimental Study

Answer 3

A study that resembles an experimental design but lacks random assignment, often used when randomization is not feasible, and relies on pre-existing groups or conditions.

Question 4

Treatment

Answer 4

The intervention or condition applied to participants in an experimental study, intended to examine its effects on a dependent variable.

Question 5

Outcome:

Answer 5

The result or effect measured in a study to determine whether the treatment or intervention had an impact.

Question 6

Placebo

Answer 6

A non-active substance or condition used in a study to simulate the effect of a real treatment, often to control for the placebo effect.

Question 7

Efficacy

Answer 7

The ability of a treatment to produce the desired effect under controlled conditions, such as in clinical trials.

Question 8

Effectiveness

Answer 8

The ability of a treatment to produce the desired effect in real-world settings, outside of controlled research environments.

Question 9

Efficiency

Answer 9

The extent to which a treatment achieves its desired outcomes with minimal resources, time, or cost.

Question 10

Feasibility Study

Answer 10

A preliminary study conducted to assess whether a larger, more extensive study or intervention is practical and realistic, considering time, resources, and participants.

Question 11

Adherence / Compliance

Answer 11

The extent to which participants in a study follow the treatment or intervention as prescribed or intended by the researchers.

Question 12

Dropout / Attrition

Answer 12

The loss of participants during the course of a study, which can lead to biased results if the dropouts differ systematically from those who remain.

Question 13

Volunteer Bias

Answer 13

A bias that occurs when participants in a study are self-selected (e.g., volunteers), and their characteristics may differ from those of the general population, affecting the generalizability of the findings.