Experimental studies: Randomized controlled trials – Part I

Pankajakshan Vijayanthi Indu; Karunakaran Vidhukumar

doi:10.30834/KJP.35.2.2023.384

Authors

Pankajakshan Vijayanthi Indu Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, Govt. Medical College, Ernakulam, Kerala.
Karunakaran Vidhukumar Professor & HOD, Department of Psychiatry, TD Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30834/KJP.35.2.2023.384

Keywords:

Experimental research design, randomized controlled trials, types of RCTs

Abstract

Experimental research design involves experiments where experimental groups are created, exposed to specific interventions and specific outcomes studied. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are true-experimental studies and the most accurate and powerful among experimental study designs. In RCTs, participants are randomly allocated to receive one of several interventions, and the effects of these interventions are studied regarding particular outcomes. The different types of RCTs are discussed.

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