MCAT Math Question 23: Answer and Explanation
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Question: 23
8. A study is performed on a new medication. Subjects in the experimental group are told about the potential side effects of the medication, while subjects in the placebo group are not. The subjects have no contact with each other and do not know in which group they are placed. The side effects end up being significantly more severe in the treatment group, when seen by the same assessor physician. This is most likely caused by which of the following?
- A. Physician unblinding only
- B. Patient unblinding only
- C. Both physician and patient unblinding
- D. Both physician and patient blinding
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Because the same physician sees both the control groups and the experimental groups, there is the potential for the physician to realize which of the groups is receiving which treatment—especially if the subject mentions expected side effects. In this study, patients were not told which group they were in, but if they were assigned to the medication group, they were told about its side effects. If the patients talked to each other they could experience patient unblinding, but we are told they have no communication with each other.