Chapter 6.2, Problem 6.29E

(a)

To determine

To explain why should we not simply give the extract to all sixty patients and record the responses.

Explanation of Solution

The extract should not be given to all sixty patients because they would then know that they were given something to relive their pain, and this may affect how they report their percent of pain relief.

(b)

To determine

To outline the design of the experiment to compare the extract’s effectiveness with that of aspirin and of a placebo.

Explanation of Solution

We will randomly assign 20 people to each of the following groups to receive: the extract, aspirin, or the placebo without telling the participants. Ask them to then report their percent of pain relief after an hour.

The outline is as follows;

  

(c)

To determine

To explain should the patients be told or not which remedy they are receiving and also explain how this knowledge affect their reaction.

Answer to Problem 6.29E

No, they should not be told.

Explanation of Solution

Patients should not be told which treatment they will be receiving. Doing so would affect their responses. For example, the patients receiving the placebo will know that their pill does not do anything, thus affecting how they respond.

(d)

To determine

To explain should the experiment be double blind or not.

Answer to Problem 6.29E

Yes it should be.

Explanation of Solution

This experiment should be double-blind in order to discourage researchers from potentially tampering with data.