The challenge of the randomised control trial to psychotherapy research with people who have learning disabilities

Abstract

The randomised control trial is regarded as the gold standard among the methods used in treatment outcome studies, whatever the treatment. This method imposes the highest level of control over other factors that may influence outcome so that the true effects of the treatment can be tested. In this paper the key features of an RCT are examined, along with potential challenges that emerge when applied to evaluations of psychotherapeutic interventions with people who have learning disabilities.

Citation

Beail, N. (2010), "The challenge of the randomised control trial to psychotherapy research with people who have learning disabilities", Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 37-41. https://doi.org/10.5042/amhld.2010.0057