Permission that is given by a patient to undergo a medical or surgical treatment or to participate in an experiment after the patient understands the risks involved.

A set of processes used when conducting investigations.

Even though, in a clinical trial, a placebo should not directly produce any medical benefits, sometimes patients will report feeling better after taking it.

Any description or measurement gathered by the senses or instruments. Things we would all agree on, a fact.

An inactive substance given to a patient in order to compare its effects with those of a potential drug. In the clinical trial the placebo is acting as a control.

A conclusion, or the process of developing a conclusion based on evidence. Things we would think, an opinion.

A standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of an experiment.

A system of principles that can guide decisions and practice in terms of whether something is morally right or just.

The scientific investigation of a new treatment that has shown some benefit in animal or laboratory studies, but that has not yet been proven effective in humans.

Observations or data to support a statement, hypothesis, or point of view.