Question

Why is a randomized, blinded experimental study best for establishing cause-effect relationships?

A. Randomization balances out the effect of confounding factors
B. This study design establishes a time sequence of events
C. Blinding can minimize bias
D. All of the above are reasons
Why this is the preferred study design?

Answer 1

D) All of the above.

Blinded experiments reduce bias, and in the social sciences, they are commonly employed because social studies are very prone to biases such as observer bias, cultural bias, or confirmation bias.