tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513760195135769005.post780111270571586557..comments2023-11-03T09:35:25.288-04:00Comments on Post Conflicted: The ethics of randomized trialsNathan Fialahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12571397129478831678noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5513760195135769005.post-67955225439302322009-06-16T04:05:40.501-04:002009-06-16T04:05:40.501-04:00Agreed. As a fan of RCT, I use it as the least wor...Agreed. As a fan of RCT, I use it as the least worst method often. <br /><br />However, I've got issues with randomizing targeting of the intervention. In conflict zones there are usually places and sub-populations in greater need of an intervention (often to the point of where absence of the intervention would result in grave harms). This means you can't really randomize at site or individual units of measurement. And given that you aren't testing the relative efficacy of two different types of intervention, its seems unethical to randomize and deny needier beneficiaries goods in the name of methods. I think this only applies in conflict zones and complex emergencies, but is a serious challenge to figuring out how RCT can be incorporated into humanitarian policy.mo'dernity mo'problemshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15131938875268706805noreply@blogger.com