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Double Blind Experiment

Definition

A double blind experiment is a research study in which both the participants and the researchers are unaware of who is receiving the treatment and who is receiving the control. This helps to eliminate bias and ensure accurate results.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to guess which hand holds a treat. In a double blind experiment, not only are you blindfolded (so you can't see), but the person giving you the treats also wears gloves (so they can't give any hints). This way, there's no way for anyone to cheat or influence your guesses.

Related terms

Single Blind Experiment: In a single blind experiment, either the participants or the researchers are unaware of who is receiving the treatment and who is receiving the control. This helps reduce bias, although it may still exist due to researcher knowledge.

Completely Randomized Design: A completely randomized design refers to an experimental design where participants are randomly assigned to different groups or treatments. This helps ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being in any group, reducing potential confounding variables.

Placebo Effect: The placebo effect occurs when a participant experiences improvements in their condition simply because they believe they are receiving treatment, even if it's actually just a placebo (inactive substance). It highlights how our beliefs and expectations can influence outcomes in experiments.