Question

Double-Blind Experiments

1. Neither subjects nor the experimenters know which is the experimental group and which is the control group
2. Danger of experimenter bias is reduced to the extent that the operational definitions of the dependent variables are clear and precise

Would you ever participate in a double-blind experiment? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Double blind experiment is a standard method for any test involving subjects and opinions, where both experimenters & participants do not know the control group & experimental group.

Humans are very good at understanding body language and unconscious cues, so to minimize observer's bias this method is best.

I would definitely participate in a blind experiment, first it would give me a chance to check my bias, if I have any on that subject/topic. Like if an experiment is conducted to compare two different brands of washing powder (the samples should be in the same packaging. A consumer might have an inbuilt brand identity awareness, and preference, which will lead to favoritism and bias).

And suppose I like one washing powder and I have opinion that second washing powder is waste, so after participating in this experiment, I find that other washing powder that I used to think as waste, is actually better. So my opinion of that powder was not based on the actual facts, it was based on advertising or some other reason.