a-research-team-is-evaluating-a-new-dietary-supplement-intended-to-enhance-memor

Question

A research team is evaluating a new dietary supplement intended to enhance memory. They select $400$ college students aged $18$ to $22$ , all from the same university. The students are randomly divided into two groups: one receives the supplement, and the other receives a placebo. Both groups take their assigned pills daily for six weeks, and memory tests are administered before and after the treatment. What is a potential flaw in this experimental design, and how could it be addressed?

Accepted Answer

The study only includes college students from one university; including participants from multiple universities and age groups would improve generalizability

Answer

The study does not use a placebo group; adding a placebo group would improve the design

Answer

The study does not measure memory before the treatment; including a pre-treatment test would improve the design

Answer

The study does not randomize participants; random assignment would improve the design