Health science researchers have long believed the randomized controlled trial (R
Health science researchers have long believed the randomized controlled trial (RCT) to be the “gold standard” of study designs. There are many reasons for their contention that an RCT should be preferred to any of the observational study designs. However, there are also instances in which employment of this design would be inappropriate.
In a 4-page paper, discuss the merits and shortcomings of the RCT as a study design with regard to:
Internal validity
Confounding
Feasibility/appropriateness
External validity
Length: 4 pages typed (not including title and reference page), double-spaced, APA format
References – (PLEASE USE A MINIMUM TWO OF THE REFERENCES BELOW – TOTAL OF 5 REFERENCES ARE NEEDED)***
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Belotto, M. J. (2018). Data analysis methods for qualitative research: Managing the challenges of coding, interrater reliability, and thematic analysis. The Qualitative Report, 23(11), 2622-2633. Available via Trident Online Library.
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Hammarberg, K., Kirkman, M., & de Lacey, S. (2016). Qualitative research methods: When to use them and how to judge them. Human Reproductive, 31(3), 498-501. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/31/3/498/2…
Jason, L. A., & Reed, J. (2015). The use of mixed methods in studying a chronic illness. Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine, 3(1), 40–51. http://doi.org/10.1080/21642850.2014.1000908
Martin, G. (2013, October 28). Research Methods – Introduction. Retrieved from
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Melamed, A., & Robinson, J. N. (2019). Case-control studies can be useful but have many limitations: Study design: Case-control studies. An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 126(1), 23-23. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15200
Melamed, A., & Robinson, J. N. (2018). A study design to identify associations: Study design: Observational cohort studies. An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 125(13), 1776-1776. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15203
Sedgwick, P. (2015). Bias in observational study designs: Case-control studies. British Medical Journal, 350(jan30 4), h560-h560. doi:10.1136/bmj.h560
Thiese, M. S. (2014). Observational and interventional study design types; an overview. Biochemia Medica, 24(2), 199–210. http://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2014.022