What is an RCT?

<p><a href='http://www.PoliceScienceDr.com'>www.PoliceScienceDr.com</a></p> <p>Full transcripts of each episode complete with key learning points, timestamps and references are available on the site above on the 'Read' page. This page is pass-word protected and you can get access by joining the mailing list.</p> <p> </p> What is an RCT? <p> </p> <p>You’ve probably heard the term ‘RCT’ a few times, especially in the field of academic research and / or evidence-based policing. Commander Alex Murray used it a lot in his Dr IPIP interview on evidence-based policing. But what is an RCT? In essence, it is the most robust and reliable way of carrying out research that tests something.</p> <p>RCT stands for randomised-controlled trial. Now, you might think the terms ‘random’ and ‘controlled’ might sound as if they don’t really belong together, but it will become more obvious in a bit how they are connected.</p>