Chapter 13, Problem 42E

a)

To determine

To explain the conduction of experiment.

Explanation of Solution

First need to select 8 patients and assign randomly then to either the current ointment or the new one. Therefore, patients should tell the doctor about the severity and give him a rate of pain levels. Now administer the ointments for a prescribed time, then have the doctors reassess the severity of each case and have patients rate their pain levels. Finally, compare the improvement levels for each group.

b)

To determine

To explain the randomization procedure.

Explanation of Solution

The random number list is:

41098, 18329, 78458, 31685, 55259.

Assign each patients a unique number between 1 and 8 as per their alphabetical rank.

Therefore, as per randomization procedure, the patients are assigned for group 1 are D,A,H,C. For group 2: B,E,F,C. This will be the procedure to select the patients randomly.

c)

To determine

To explain the double-blind experiment.

Explanation of Solution

Yes, it is possible to make this experiment as double-blind. This can be done by not telling the patients and doctors which treatment they receive. Hence, this way can be making double blind design.

d)

To determine

To explain the changes should be done in second stage of testing.

Explanation of Solution

First need to divide the 8 patients into two blacks as male and female. Then assign the patients randomly of each block to group 1 and remaining to group 2. Therefore, group 1 will receive the new ointment in the treatment of shingles. The group 2 will receive the current medication in the treatment of shingles. Finally, compare the improvement of the shingles for both groups.