Randomized Controlled trials (RCTs) are one of the most recognized and popular experimental research designs to test cause-effect relationships (Hariton & Locascio, 2018). It is a method of research that involves random selection of participants and random assignment into a control or various treatment groups to measure the intervention and dependent variable that is being studied. They are often categorized as the “gold-standard” for effective research given the nature of randomization to reduce bias when measuring the impact of an intervention between at least groups (Bhattacherjee, 2012). The aspect of randomization provides RCTs a unique measure of internal validity that is not possible with other study designs (Hariton & Locascio, 2018).
UNICEF Innocenti (2014, October 29). Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy7qpJeozec