What is the main purpose of a double-blind study?

A double-blind study is primarily designed to eliminate bias from both researchers and participants, which is crucial for the integrity of the study's findings. In this type of study, neither the participants nor the researchers know who belongs to the experimental group and who belongs to the control group. This arrangement helps prevent preconceived notions or expectations from influencing the outcomes, leading to more reliable and valid results.

By minimizing bias, a double-blind study ensures that any observed effects can be attributed more confidently to the treatment being tested rather than to psychological influences or expectations from either party. This structure is particularly important in clinical trials or experiments where the subjectivity of human perception can significantly impact the results.