Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements is NOT TRUE about a double-blind study?

1. Neither the researcher nor the participant knows the group assignment

2. Helps combat subjective bias

3. Random assignment reduces the placebo effect

4. Neither knows the null hypothesis

The correct answer is: Neither knows the null hypothesis

In a double-blind study, the aim is to minimize bias and increase the validity of the results by ensuring that both the participants and the researchers are unaware of certain key aspects of the study, particularly group assignments. This design helps to counteract any potential influences that might arise from either party's expectations or beliefs, thus addressing subjective biases. The assertion that neither the researcher nor the participant knows the null hypothesis is not true within the context of a double-blind study. While it is correct that both parties may be unaware of the group assignments, they usually have a general understanding of the study's aims, including the null hypothesis, which is pivotal to the experimental design. This knowledge is essential for them to conduct the study effectively and interpret the results. Random assignment, mentioned in other statements, indeed plays a crucial role in minimizing the placebo effect by equally distributing variables that could influence the outcome across both the experimental and control groups. It helps to ensure that any observed effects can be attributed more confidently to the treatment rather than pre-existing differences between the groups. These elements are fundamental to the double-blind methodology, further supporting the accuracy of the design.