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Related Concept Videos

Randomized Experiments01:13

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
Simple...
Group Design02:01

Group Design

The most basic experimental design involves two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The two groups are designed to be the same except for one difference— experimental manipulation. The experimental group gets the experimental manipulation—that is, the treatment or variable being tested—and the control group does not. Since experimental manipulation is the only difference between the experimental and control groups, we can be sure that any differences between the two are due to...
Random Sampling Method01:09

Random Sampling Method

Sampling is a technique to select a portion (or subset) of the larger population and study that portion (the sample) to gain information about the population. Data are the result of sampling from a population. The sampling method ensures that samples are drawn without bias and accurately represent the population. Because measuring the entire population in a study is not practical, researchers use samples to represent the population of interest. Among the various sampling methods used by...
Random Variables01:09

Random Variables

A random variable is a single numerical value that indicates the outcome of a procedure. The concept of random variables is fundamental to the probability theory and was introduced by a Russian mathematician, Pafnuty Chebyshev, in the mid-nineteenth century.
Uppercase letters such as X or Y denote a random variable. Lowercase letters like x or y denote the value of a random variable. If X is a random variable, then X is written in words, and x is given as a number.
For example, let X = the...
Random and Systematic Errors01:20

Random and Systematic Errors

Scientists always try their best to record measurements with the utmost accuracy and precision. However, sometimes errors do occur. These errors can be random or systematic. Random errors are observed due to the inconsistency or fluctuation in the measurement process, or variations in the quantity itself that is being measured. Such errors fluctuate from being greater than or less than the true value in repeated measurements. Consider a scientist measuring the length of an earthworm using a...
Random and Systematic Errors01:20

Random and Systematic Errors

Scientists always try their best to record measurements with the utmost accuracy and precision. However, sometimes errors do occur. These errors can be random or systematic. Random errors are observed due to the inconsistency or fluctuation in the measurement process, or variations in the quantity itself that is being measured. Such errors fluctuate from being greater than or less than the true value in repeated measurements. Consider a scientist measuring the length of an earthworm using a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
13:04

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods

Published on: September 19, 2012

Cluster randomization and political philosophy.

Eric Chwang1

  • 1University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309-0232, USA. chwang@colorado.edu

Bioethics
|February 16, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Ethical challenges in cluster randomization research are not novel. Existing human subjects research and political philosophy offer guidance for navigating these complex ethical issues, including impractical consent.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Research Ethics
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Cluster randomization is an increasingly utilized research design.
  • Ethical considerations in human subjects research are paramount.
  • Novel ethical dilemmas may arise with new research methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue that ethical challenges in cluster randomization are not entirely new.
  • To demonstrate the presence of similar ethical issues in other research types.
  • To explore solutions for impractical consent in cluster randomized research.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative ethical analysis of research methodologies.
  • Literature review of ethical principles in human subjects research.
  • Application of political philosophy concepts to research ethics.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
13:04

Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods

Published on: September 19, 2012

Main Results:

  • Many ethical challenges in cluster randomization mirror those in traditional human subjects research.
  • Impracticality of obtaining consent in cluster randomization is a significant ethical hurdle.
  • Political philosophy provides relevant frameworks for addressing consent challenges.

Conclusions:

  • The ethical issues in cluster randomization, including consent, are not unprecedented.
  • Existing ethical frameworks and political philosophy can guide researchers.
  • A novel approach is not required to solve the ethical dilemmas in cluster randomized research.