Which two techniques are described as measures to minimize bias in the trial?

• A. Blinding and Data Monitoring
• B. Randomization and Blinding
• C. Randomization and Placebo Use
• D. Placebo Use and Blinding

Answer: (B)

Randomization and blinding reduce bias by both making groups comparable and preventing expectations from shaping outcomes. Randomization assigns participants to treatment arms by chance, balancing known and unknown prognostic factors so differences in outcomes are more likely due to the intervention rather than who was assigned. Blinding keeps participants, clinicians, and outcome assessors unaware of which treatment was given, reducing the influence of expectations on care decisions and outcome measurements. Placebo use supports blinding but alone doesn’t minimize bias without randomization and blinding. Data monitoring focuses on safety and data integrity rather than bias reduction. So the two techniques described for minimizing bias are randomization and blinding.