Virtual Research Library

Collaborating to build global research capacity
English English नेपाली नेपाली

Category: Experimental / Intervention

What are randomized controlled trials?


Key Points

  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are a type of study design commonly used in health research to explore the efficacy of interventions.
  • The goal of an RCT is to increase the validity of experimental results and strengthen the evidence for causal relationships.
  • RCTs use randomization, control groups, and blinding to control for variables and limit biases.


Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
    • An introduction to RCTs, including a step-by-step outline for how to design an RCT. Includes examples and tips in practice.

Videos

  • Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
    • A video from UNICEF that highlights the importance of control groups in Randomized Controlled Trials, different RCT designs (including factorial, cluster, and multifactorial designs), and pitfalls to avoid in sampling procedures.
  • How do we know if an intervention works?
    • A 5-minute video describing how RCTs can be used to minimize bias and increase the validity of experimental findings, in terms of control groups and blinding.

Online Courses

  • Randomized Controlled Trials
    • A 30-minute video lecture on statistical interventions and methods commonly used in RCTs.
    • Note: the video refers to a textbook, but the video is helpful even without the textbook.


Relevant Publications

  • Stanley, K. (2007). Design of Randomized Controlled Trials. Circulation, 115(9), 1164–1169.
    • A comprehensive article from 2007 describing elements of RCT design, especially for clinical trials and health research


What is experimental research?


Key Points

  • An experimental (or intervention) study is a study where the exposure or treatment is controlled by the investigator.
  • Experimental studies provide evidence to support or refute the existence of a cause-effect relationship.
  • There are different types of experimental study designs.  One is the randomized controlled trial (RCT) which is considered the “gold standard” of experimental studies.


Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos



Relevant Publications



What are clinical trials and why are they important?


Key Points

  • Clinical trials can be experimental or observational research studies, depending on the research question.
  • Clinical trials are commonly done to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcomes of newer treatments/medications on human health.
  • They provide robust evidence for the safety and efficacy of newer treatments and drugs and maybe a single-center, multicenter or international study.

Helpful Links, Videos and Online Courses

Overview


Videos



Relevant Publications



Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami