Placebo
This page provides the definition for a mathematics term.
About this resource
A glossary of terms used in mathematics.
Placebo
A neutral treatment in an experiment that, to a person participating in the study, appears to be the same as the actual treatment.
Placebos are given to people in the control group so that reliable comparisons can be made between the treatment and control groups. People can experience positive outcomes from the psychological effect of believing they will improve because they have been given a treatment—the placebo effect. As part of determining whether a treatment is successful, researchers need to be able to see whether the effect due to a treatment is greater than the placebo effect.
Curriculum achievement objectives references
Statistical investigation: Levels 7, 8
Statistical literacy: Level 8
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