Randomization to randomization probability: Estimating treatment effects under actual conditions of use.

ABSTRACT: Blinded randomized controlled trials (RCT) require participants to be uncertain if they are receiving a treatment or placebo. Although uncertainty is ideal for isolating the treatment effect from all other potential effects, it is poorly suited for estimating the treatment effect under actual conditions of intended use-when individuals are certain that they are receiving a treatment. We propose an experimental design, randomization to randomization probabilities (R2R), which significantly improves estimates of treatment effects under actual conditions of use by manipulating participant expectations about receiving treatment. In the R2R design, participants are first randomized to a value, π, denoting their probability of receiving treatment (vs. placebo). Subjects are then told their value

SUBMITTER: George BJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5640450 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature