Question
An investigator wants to perform an experimental study on the effectiveness of a new therapy (Therapy A), compared to the current therapy (Therapy B) for gastric ulcer. The study sample is 400 patients aged 18 years or older who are admitted to a Medical Center with a diagnosis of gastric ulcer as the main reason for admission. It was also decided that, starting August 1, 2009, any eligible patient will be invited to participate until a total of 400 eligible patients is obtained. Which of the following treatment assignment schemes cannot be used so that the study is properly called a randomized controlled trial? (choose one best answer)
A Any eligible patient admitted on an even-numbered day will be assigned to Therapy A; any eligible patient admitted on an odd-numbered day will be assigned to Therapy B.
B Tossing a coin 400 times
C Any assignment scheme that makes it impossible to predict what is the therapy that the next patient will receive
D Using random number table
This question is taken from HSCI 488 – Epidemiology: Introduction to the Study of Diseases » 2019 » Exam 2
