33. Research Methods Module 3.3

About this lesson

Welcome to Module 3.3 of the Research Ethics Foundations series! This video introduces the core elements of experimental research designs, focusing on true experiments, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and design variations used in healthcare research. Learn how these designs establish causality and support evidence-based practice.

What You’ll Learn in This Module

• Key features of true experimental designs
• How randomized controlled trials (RCTs) work and why they’re the gold standard
• The importance of randomization, control, and blinding
• Common experimental design variations and when to use them
• How these methods apply to healthcare research and clinical interventions

Topics Covered

True Experimental Design Elements

• Random assignment
• Manipulation of independent variables
• Control of extraneous variables
• Dependent variable measurement
• Use of control or comparison groups

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

• Group randomization
• Controlled conditions
• Single, double, and triple blinding
• Pre- and post-intervention measurement

Variations of Experimental Designs

• Pre-test/post-test control group
• Solomon four-group design
• Factorial and crossover designs
• Adaptive clinical trials

Who Should Watch This Video

• Public health and clinical research students
• Graduate students learning research design
• Healthcare professionals interested in RCTs
• Researchers planning intervention studies
• Anyone exploring evidence-based methods

Lesson notes

Full written notes for this lesson are in production. Until they publish, watch the video above and use the summary on this page as your study guide.