Experimentation Without Randomised Controls

ABSTRACT Background In an experimental study, researchers often have the ability to assign different treatments. This is often done with randomisation. There are many settings; however, where it is not desirable to use randomisation. It is unclear how to best design an experimental study without ran...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of oral rehabilitation Vol. 52; no. 8; pp. 1167 - 1174
Main Author: Simon, Stephen D.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.08.2025
Subjects:
Humans
interrupted time series
Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic - methods
quasiexperimental studies
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Research Design
stepped wedge design
withdrawal design
quasiexperimental studies
interrupted time series
withdrawal design
stepped wedge design
ISSN:0305-182X, 1365-2842, 1365-2842
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:ABSTRACT Background In an experimental study, researchers often have the ability to assign different treatments. This is often done with randomisation. There are many settings; however, where it is not desirable to use randomisation. It is unclear how to best design an experimental study without randomisation while still providing persuasive evidence. Objectives The aim of this study was to outline several approaches, broadly classified as quasiexperimental studies, where researchers can use methodologically sound alternatives to randomisation. Results The interrupted time series, phased inventions, withdrawal design, waiting list control group, stepped wedge design and regression discontinuity all represent approaches where careful nonrandom allocation to treatment groups can produce high‐quality research findings. Conclusion Quasiexperimental studies can produce rigorous research findings. The allocation to treatment groups and the times of evaluation need to be carefully designed. Proper use of these quasiexperimental approaches can enhance research options in settings where the research team has control of allocation but finds randomisation to be problematic.
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ISSN:0305-182X
1365-2842
1365-2842
DOI:10.1111/joor.13960