Imagine that you are a peer reviewer for the following study: Researchers tested a new headache drug. They provided the new drug treatment to one group of participants with headaches, and a control group received no treatment for their headaches. Nearly 70% of people in the drug treatment group reported feeling better within 1 hour of getting a headache, whereas only 30% of people in the control group felt better within 1 hour of getting a headache. What is the major flaw in this study?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The major flaw in this study is that there is no placebo-control group. Without a placebo-control group, it is impossible to draw a conclusion about the effectiveness of the new headache drug. The control group received no treatment, but it is possible that they still experienced a placebo effect or that other factors (e.g. natural resolution of the headache) contributed to their improvement. A placebo-control group would ensure that any observed effects of the new drug are not simply due to a placebo effect or other factors.

Imagine That You Are a Peer Reviewer for the Following