Question

Consider an experiment in which human subjects are given a pill to test its effectiveness on reducing the duration of a cold. Which of the following is the best way to treat the control group? (Choose the single best answer.)

A. Let the control group choose whether or not to take any pills.
B. Do nothing with the control group.
C. Give the control group two pills instead of one.
D. Give the control group a placebo (a pill that does not affect colds).

Answer 1

The control group should receive a placebo to eliminate the placebo effect and ensure a reliable study. A double-blind methodology is ideal to reduce bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way to treat the control group in an experiment testing the effectiveness of a pill on reducing the duration of a cold is to give the control group a placebo (a pill that does not affect colds). This is crucial for ensuring that any differences observed are due to the actual treatment and not external factors like the placebo effect or participant expectations. Employing a double-blind methodology, where neither the researchers nor the participants know who is receiving the active treatment or the placebo, further eliminates bias and supports a more reliable interpretation of the data.