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Randomized Experiments

Randomized Experiments

The randomization process involves assigning study participants randomly to experimental or control groups based on their probability of being equally assigned. Randomization is meant to eliminate selection bias and balance known and unknown confounding factors so that the control group is similar to the treatment group as much as possible. A computer program and a random number generator can be used to assign participants to groups in a way that minimizes bias.
Simple randomization
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Electroencephalographic, Heart Rate, and Galvanic Skin Response Assessment for an Advertising Perception Study: Application to Antismoking Public Service Announcements

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A randomised control study of a fully automated internet based smoking cessation programme.

L H G Swartz¹, J W Noell, S W Schroeder

¹Oregon Center for Applied Science, Eugene, OR 97403, USA. lswartz@orcasinc.com

Tobacco Control

|January 27, 2006

Summary

An internet-based smoking cessation program, "1-2-3 Smokefree," demonstrated short-term effectiveness. This automated behavioral intervention significantly increased abstinence rates at 90 days compared to a control group.

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Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

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Area of Science:

Digital Health
Behavioral Science
Public Health

Background:

Smoking cessation remains a significant public health challenge.
Automated, internet-delivered interventions offer scalable solutions for behavior change.
Previous research indicates varying efficacy for online smoking cessation programs.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the short-term (90-day) efficacy of an automated, internet-delivered behavioral intervention for smoking cessation.
To assess the feasibility of delivering a smoking cessation program entirely via a website.

Main Methods:

A randomized controlled trial involving 351 adult smokers interested in quitting.
Participants were recruited via worksites and randomly assigned to either an immediate intervention group or a delayed control group.
The intervention group accessed a video-based website with tailored motivational materials; the control group received no intervention for 90 days.

Main Results:

The treatment group achieved a 24.1% smoking abstinence rate at 90 days, compared to 8.2% in the control group (p=0.002).
An intent-to-treat analysis showed 12.3% abstinence in the treatment group versus 5.0% in the control group (p=0.015).
The automated, internet-based intervention demonstrated statistically significant short-term efficacy.

Conclusions:

Automated, internet-delivered behavioral interventions can be effective for smoking cessation.
The "1-2-3 Smokefree" program shows promise for widespread dissemination.
Online platforms are a viable medium for delivering public health interventions.