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Science 18 November 1977:
Vol. 198. no. 4318, pp. 679 - 684
DOI: 10.1126/science.333584
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Articles

Science, Vol 198, Issue 4318, 679-684
Copyright © 1977 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Some thoughts on clinical trials, especially problems of multiplicity

JW Tukey

Problems of statistical and conceptual design of experiments are exacerberated by ethical issues in many, if not most, clinical trials. Statutory requirements of demonstrated effectiveness are far from being clearly resolved--either qualitatively or quantitatively. Ethics, bolstered by informed consent, are likely to keep us from ever learning the answer to many questions. Unbalanced boundaries, focusing-down designs, historical controls, and not-very-sequential designs are among the possible consequences.


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