In a ________ study, both the researchers and the participants are unaware of the group assignments.

In a double-blind study, both the researchers and the participants are unaware of the group assignments. This design is widely used in clinical trials to reduce bias in research outcomes. By ensuring that neither the participants nor the experimenters know who is receiving a particular treatment, it helps prevent any expectation or influence that could skew the results. For instance, if researchers know which participants are in the treatment group, their interactions may unintentionally affect the participants’ responses. Similarly, if participants know they are receiving a treatment, their expectations can impact their reported outcomes. The double-blind method enhances the reliability of the data collected, lending greater validity to the conclusions drawn from the study.