Homonym: Blinding (Deception)
Blinding is a research technique used to prevent bias in experiments, particularly in clinical trials. It involves keeping participants, researchers, or both unaware of certain key information, such as which treatment a participant is receiving. This helps ensure that the results are not influenced by expectations or preconceived notions.
There are different types of blinding, including single-blind, where only the participants are unaware of their treatment, and double-blind, where both participants and researchers are kept in the dark. This method enhances the reliability of the study's findings and helps maintain the integrity of the research process.