A researcher is concerned that his expectations about the effectiveness of a new drug are influencing the reports of participants in his studies. Specifically, he believes that this new drug is effective and has shared this information with participants in his research. Now he is wondering if this might be affecting people. In order to better control the effect of his own expectations on participants, this researcher should
A)operationally define his independent variable
B)use the double-blind procedure
C)collect unobtrusive measures of participant improvement
D)use random sampling

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The double-blind procedure is the best method to control for the researcher's expectations influencing the participants' reports. In a double-blind study, neither the participants nor the researchers know who is receiving the actual treatment versus a placebo, thus minimizing bias from both parties' expectations.

A Researcher Is Concerned That His Expectations About the Effectiveness