In experimental research, what is the role of a placebo?

Correct option is A

• In experimental research, a placebo is a substance or treatment that resembles the active treatment but lacks the active ingredients or therapeutic effects.
• The placebo is used primarily in control groups to account for the psychological effects (the placebo effect) of believing they are receiving treatment, which can influence the outcome.
• Option (b) is incorrect because the independent variable is the factor being manipulated, not the placebo.
• Option (c) refers to a control group, not specifically a placebo. A placebo can be used within the control group to isolate the effects of the actual treatment.

Information Booster:
1. Placebo effect occurs when participants experience real changes in their condition simply due to their belief in the treatment, even though the treatment is inert.
2. The placebo is used to ensure the validity of the study by comparing the treatment group (with the active ingredient) to the placebo group.
3. Placebos help to control for the psychological influence of receiving treatment, ensuring that the effects seen in the treatment group are not just due to belief.
4. Placebos are commonly used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to improve the internal validity of the study.
5. The placebo is an essential tool in measuring the true efficacy of a treatment.