Glossary and FAQ center

Glossary

Protocol

The written plan that describes how a study is run.

Placebo

An inactive version used for comparison in some studies.

Randomization

Assigning volunteers to groups by chance.

Ethics board

An independent group that reviews studies to protect volunteers.

Inclusion criteria

Characteristics a study team looks for in volunteers.

Exclusion criteria

Characteristics that mean a study may not be a fit.

Principal investigator

The person who leads a study at a given location.

Follow-up

Contact or visits after the main part of a study ends.

Frequently asked questions