Is the Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial an Objective Scientific Instrument?
Introduction Is the Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial (RDBPCT, or RCT) an objective scientific instrument? The short answer is “yes.” A useful answer is more complicated. Basically, the answer to this question is in fact an unqualified “yes.” And, so there is no mistake, let me specify that by ‘objective’ I intend to suggest that the observations recorded in the blinded trial reflect actual facts – that is, events or objects (trial outcomes) – and that the facts so reflected are accurately recorded. That is what the RCT does: it is like a camera. It records what you put in front of it.
