Table 2.

Steps in the example process of randomization and blinding

What to doWho does itComments
1Generate a random allocation sequenceColleagueFigure 6B
2Shuffle all animal ID#sColleague
3Assign shuffled ID#s to allocation tableColleagueTable 1
4Generate group ID#sColleagueFor analysis, e.g., Rx = 1, Ctrl = 2
5Prepare syringes of substances to be administeredExperimenterDon't label individual syringes! Group in separate beakers (X/Ctrl)
6Label each syringe with an animal ID#ColleagueRefer to allocation table
7Collect data, referenced to animal ID#Experimenter
8Provide analyst with group ID#sColleagueStatistical comparison of groups
9Reveal group identity after analysis is completeColleague