What method do researchers use to minimize placebo effects in experiments?

The double-blind procedure is designed specifically to minimize the placebo effect in research experiments. In a double-blind study, neither the participants nor the researchers administering the treatment know who is receiving the actual treatment and who is receiving a placebo. This approach helps to eliminate bias and expectation effects from both parties.

When participants believe they are receiving an active treatment, they might exhibit changes simply based on their expectations, not because of the treatment itself. By ensuring that neither group knows the allocation of the treatment, researchers reduce the risk of these expectations influencing the results, leading to more reliable and valid data regarding the actual effects of the treatment being tested.