Abstract
The main difference between other study design methods and the randomised controlled trial is that in the latter two or more groups are formed by random allocation. Randomisation is the best approach to dealing with and controlling for selection bias, regression to the mean and temporal changes. Other issues, such as blinding, or the use of placebos, may be associated with some types of randomised trial but their use is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition for a study to be identified as a randomised trial.
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© 2008 David J. Torgerson and Carole J. Torgerson
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Torgerson, D.J., Torgerson, C.J. (2008). What is Special About Randomisation?. In: Designing Randomised Trials in Health, Education and the Social Sciences. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230583993_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230583993_4
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-230-53736-1
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-58399-3
eBook Packages: Palgrave Social & Cultural Studies CollectionSocial Sciences (R0)