A clearer start to research.

When participants, researchers, or both are kept unaware of assigned treatments to reduce bias.

Research involving people that evaluates an approach to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Participation does not guarantee a health benefit.

The requirements a person must meet to join a particular study. The research team checks these against the study’s protocol.

A process of learning about a study, asking questions, and voluntarily deciding whether to participate. It involves more than signing a form.

A group that reviews research involving people to help protect participants’ rights and welfare. Often called an IRB.

Research that observes participants and their outcomes without assigning a treatment or intervention as part of the study.

An inactive comparison product used in some studies. Ask whether a study uses one and what that means for your care.

The person leading the research team and responsible for the conduct of the study at a site. Often called the PI.

The study’s plan: its questions, procedures, participation requirements, timing, and information to be collected.

Assignment to study groups by chance, rather than by a participant’s or researcher’s choice.

The process of checking whether someone meets a study’s participation requirements. An initial inquiry does not complete this process.

A stage of clinical testing with a particular purpose, such as studying safety or effectiveness. Not every kind of research uses phases.