The Landscape and Lexicon of Blinding in Randomized Trials

Kenneth F. Schulz; Iain Chalmers; Douglas G. Altman

doi:10.7326/0003-4819-136-3-200202050-00022

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Medical Writings |5 February 2002

The Landscape and Lexicon of Blinding in Randomized Trials

Kenneth F. Schulz, PhD, MBA; Iain Chalmers, DSc; Douglas G. Altman, DSc

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Blinding in medical research possesses a rich history spanning a couple of centuries (1). Most researchers and readers grasp its meaning. Unfortunately, beyond that general understanding lies confusion. In addition to terms such as “single blind” and “double blind” meaning different things to different people, some steadfastly refuse to use the term “blinding” and insist instead on the term “masking.” Others confuse blinding with other methodologic precautions, such as concealment of allocation during the process of creating comparison groups. Still others consider that randomization is of little use unless accompanied by “double-blinding,” thus revealing that they have not understood that these separate aspects of methodology address separate sources of bias.

Medical Writings |5 February 2002

The Landscape and Lexicon of Blinding in Randomized Trials

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The Landscape and Lexicon of Blinding in Randomized Trials

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