A. Randomization
B. Manipulation or Intervention
C. Drawing up a protocol
D. Selecting Reference and Population for trial
E. Follow-up and assessment of outcome
Choose the correct answer from the options given below
Understanding the Steps of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is a fundamental research method used to determine the effectiveness of new treatments or interventions. It involves comparing the outcomes of participants who receive the intervention with those who receive a placebo or standard treatment. Conducting an RCT requires careful planning and execution through a series of distinct steps. Identifying the correct sequence is crucial for the study's validity.
The Correct Sequence for RCT Steps
The basic steps involved in conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) for treatment and prevention, arranged in their proper logical order, are:
| Sequence | Step Letter | Step Description | Explanation |
| 1 | C | Drawing up a protocol | This is the foundational step where researchers meticulously plan every aspect of the trial. It includes defining the research question, objectives, study design, participant eligibility criteria, the intervention details, methods for randomization, data collection procedures, and statistical analysis plans. A clear protocol ensures consistency and minimizes bias. |
| 2 | D | Selecting Reference and Population for trial | After the protocol is established, the next step is to identify the specific population eligible for the trial. This involves defining the characteristics of the target population and then selecting a representative sample from this group who meet the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria. |
| 3 | A | Randomization | Once eligible participants are identified and have consented, they are randomly assigned to different study groups. This process, known as randomization, ensures that each participant has an equal chance of being placed in either the intervention group or the control group. It helps in creating comparable groups and reducing selection bias. |
| 4 | B | Manipulation or Intervention | In this step, the planned intervention (e.g., a new drug, therapy, or preventive measure) is actively administered to the participants in the intervention group according to the protocol. The control group typically receives a placebo or the current standard of care. |
| 5 | E | Follow-up and assessment of outcome | The final stage involves monitoring the participants over the designated study period. Researchers collect data on the predefined outcomes (e.g., disease incidence, symptom improvement, side effects) for both the intervention and control groups. This data is then analyzed to determine the effectiveness and safety of the intervention compared to the control. |
Based on this logical progression, the correct sequence for conducting the basic steps of a Randomized Controlled Trial is C, D, A, B, E.
Important Questions from Steps of Research
A hypothesis should be conceptually
Which of the following are the stages of meta analysis?
A. Understand the literature
B. Conduct new studies to fill the gap
C. Develop inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study
D. Locating primary studies
E. Identify secondary data
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Given below are stages of research process. Arrange these in the correct sequence of carrying them out
A. Sampling cases
B. Research question
C. Literature review
D. Data collection
E. Data analysis
Choose the correct answer from the options given below
Given below are two statements :
Statement I : The opinion that history must emerge from archives is questioned repeatedly over a period of time.
Statement II : Content fidelity compels history researchers to seek several sources of information.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
Match List I with List II
List I
Research Steps
List II
Main features
(A) Defining a research problem (I) Appropriate statistical techniques for data analysis (B) Hypothesis making (II) Representativeness of the units chosen (C) Drawing a research sample (III) Identifying the variables for setting up a plausible relationship (D) Hypothesis testing (IV) Carefully chosen terms and concepts with operational descriptions, if need be. Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
