What is a randomized controlled trial and when is it feasible in program evaluation?

• A. A trial that uses only qualitative data; not correct
• B. A trial where all participants receive the intervention; not correct
• C. A randomized controlled trial randomly assigns participants to intervention vs control; feasible when randomization is ethical, practical, and acceptable, and when contamination is minimized.
• D. A trial with no control group and no comparison.

Answer: (C)

An RCT is a study design in which participants are assigned at random to receive the program or to a comparison condition, such as usual practice or no intervention, so that differences in outcomes can be attributed to the program rather than preexisting differences. This randomization balances both known and unknown factors across groups, helping to establish a causal link between the program and observed effects. It’s feasible when there is genuine uncertainty about the program’s benefits (equipoise), when it’s practical to implement randomization and follow participants, and when stakeholders find random assignment acceptable. It’s also important to minimize contamination so that those in different groups don’t influence each other, and to ensure an adequate sample size and participant adherence. This approach requires a comparison group, which is not present in designs that give the program to everyone or have no control group.