Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a type of scientific experiment in which participants are randomly assigned to one of two or more groups. One group receives the intervention being tested (such as a new drug or therapy) while the other group receives a placebo or standard treatment. This random assignment helps to ensure that any differences in outcomes between the groups are due to the intervention and not to other factors. RCTs are considered the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of medical interventions because they minimize bias and confounding variables. They are commonly used in clinical research to assess the safety and efficacy of new treatments and interventions. Randomized studies are also used in other fields, such as psychology, economics, and public health, to evaluate the impact of interventions on various outcomes.