Question

How would an error in the application of a "treatment" impact the results of a study....provide an example.

Answer 1

First,I'll define what is treatment in an experiment

In an experiment, the factor (also called an independent variable) is an explanatory variable manipulated by the experimenter. Each factor has two or more levels, i.e., different values of the factor. Combinations of factor levels are called treatments.

For example, a corn field is divided into four, each part is 'treated' with a different fertiliser to see which produces the most corn; a teacher practices different teaching methods on different groups in her class to see which yields the best results; a doctor treats a patient with a skin condition with different creams to see which is most effective. Treatments are administered to experimental units by 'level', where level implies amount or magnitude. For example, if the experimental units were given 5mg, 10mg, 15mg of a medication, those amounts would be three levels of the treatment.

Clearly,if 5mg effect will differ from 10mg medication. Now, if 5mg is effective for patient and by error you are giving him 10mg, it will adversely effects his health.

so choosing the proper treatment is necessary in an experiment.