Question

When both the researchers and the participants of the study are uninformed about the nature of the independent variable being administered, this is known as

a) Double-blind research design
b) Experimenter expectancy effect
c) Placebo effect
d) Random assignment

Answer 1

The correct answer is option a) Double-blind research design.

Step-by-step explanation:

When both the researchers and the participants of a study are uninformed about who is receiving the active treatment and who is receiving the placebo, this is known as a double-blind research design. This method is employed to prevent any experimenter bias and participant expectations from influencing the study's outcomes. A placebo is often used in the control group to control for the placebo effect, which is when the expectation of treatment leads to a perceived or actual improvement in condition.

By randomly assigning participants to different groups and keeping both parties "blind," we ensure that the only difference between the treatment groups is the one imposed by the researcher, thereby attributing any differences in response solely to the influence of the independent variable (or treatment).