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
Obtaining a high correlation coefficient between administering an established test and the new test to the same students at approximately the same time result in
_______ is a prediction stated in a way that allows it to be tested.
The correct sequence of the steps in the survey research process is
(i) Delimit sample
(ii) Send questionnaire
(iii) Conduct Pilot study
(iv) Analyze result and prepare report
(v) Write covering letter
(vi) Determine objectives
(vii) Follow up
(viii) Construct questionnaire
Choose the correct answer from the code given below:
The correct sequence of the steps in the scientific method of problem solving is
(i) Gathering the data
(ii) Analyzing and interpreting results
(iii) Developing the problem
(iv) Formulating the hypothesis
Choose the correct answer from the code given below:
- Identify the correct sequential order of steps for developing a sample design
A. Parameters of Interest
B. Budgetary Constraint
C. Type of Universe & Sampling Unit
D. Sampling Procedure
E. Source list & Size of Sample
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
