<P> A randomized controlled trial (or randomized control trial; RCT) is a type of scientific (often medical) experiment which aims to reduce bias when testing a new treatment . The people participating in the trial are randomly allocated to either the group receiving the treatment under investigation or to a group receiving standard treatment (or placebo treatment) as the control . Randomization minimises selection bias and the different comparison groups allow the researchers to determine any effects of the treatment when compared with the no treatment (control) group, while other variables are kept constant . The RCT is often considered the gold standard for a clinical trial . RCTs are often used to test the efficacy or effectiveness of various types of medical intervention and may provide information about adverse effects, such as drug reactions . Random assignment of intervention is done after subjects have been assessed for eligibility and recruited, but before the intervention to be studied begins . </P> <P> Random allocation in real trials is complex, but conceptually the process is like tossing a coin . After randomization, the two (or more) groups of subjects are followed in exactly the same way and the only differences between them is the care they receive . For example, in terms of procedures, tests, outpatient visits, and follow - up calls, should be those intrinsic to the treatments being compared . The most important advantage of proper randomization is that it minimizes allocation bias, balancing both known and unknown prognostic factors, in the assignment of treatments . </P>

What is the purpose of randomization in a clinical trial
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