The term "Double Masked Method" is often used in medical research to describe a certain type of study design. The IPA phonetic transcription of this term would be /ˈdʌbəl mæskt ˈmɛθəd/. The first word "double" is pronounced with the short u sound as in "duh" and a silent e at the end. The second word "masked" is pronounced with the short a sound as in "cat" and a d at the end. Finally, the word "method" is pronounced with the short e sound as in "met" and a d at the end.
The term "Double Masked Method" refers to a research technique commonly used in clinical trials or experimental studies to reduce bias that may influence the results. It involves both the participants and the researchers being unaware of the specific treatment or intervention being administered. This technique is especially employed in studies where subjective opinions or biases could affect the outcome.
In a double-masked study, participants are randomly assigned to receive either the experimental treatment or a placebo/control intervention. The participants, as well as the researchers involved in data collection and analysis, are deliberately kept unaware of which group each participant belongs to. This ensures that the results obtained are not influenced by unconscious bias, expectations, or preconceived notions.
The double-masked method helps to minimize the potential for bias, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the study's findings. Often, the study design involves using identical-looking treatments or placebos to ensure that the participants and researchers remain fully "masked" or blinded throughout the study period. Only after the study has been concluded, and all data have been collected and analyzed, is the masking code broken, revealing the treatment allocation for each participant.
By employing the double-masked method, researchers can enhance the validity and objectivity of their findings, strengthening the overall quality of their research and increasing confidence in the results.