In: Statistics and Probability
A research proposal for a medical study describes the following methodology: “The design will involve a placebo-controlled matched pairs study of the effects of Vitamin D supplements on frequency of joint pain. The methodological design will control for age, gender, diet, and exercise.”
a) As described above, is this an observational or experimental study?
b) Identify the independent variable/factor being examined in this study.
c) What does the term “placebo controlled” suggest about how the study will be carried out?
Given in the question, there will be a medical study following methodology: “The design will involve a placebo-controlled matched pairs study of the effects of Vitamin D supplements on frequency of joint pain. The methodological design will control for age, gender, diet, and exercise.”
A) Firstly, an observational study is a study based on elements or objects which appear in the sample as they are in the population. No manipulation is done on the selected sample i.e the researcher has no control over the independent variable because of ethical concerns.
Whereas, in an experimental study the researcher is allowed to control the independent variable i.e he can control the conditions of the study. This type of study is usually conducted for measuring cause and effect relationships.
The given situation in the question is an experimental study as the researcher has control over the design and can control the situation.
B) the independent variable is the Vitamin D supplements. As these will leave effect on frequencies of the joint pains. So joint pains are a result of the vitamin D supplements.
C) In a "placebo controlled" study, there are two groups under consideration. One group receives the treatment which we want to test and the other group ( namely, the control group) receives a "placebo" treatment which actually has no real effect. This is how comparisons are made and the study is carried out.