Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What do sensitivity analyses assess in clinical trials?

1. The effectiveness of data collection methods

2. The robustness of data

3. The ethical implications of trial findings

4. The cost-effectiveness of treatments

The correct answer is: The robustness of data

Sensitivity analyses are essential tools used in clinical trials to evaluate the robustness of data and the conclusions drawn from it. They involve systematically altering parameters or assumptions of a statistical model to determine how these changes impact the results. This type of analysis helps to identify how sensitive the outcomes are to various factors, which can include different scenarios, populations, or analytic methods. When conducting sensitivity analyses, researchers can ascertain whether their findings remain consistent under different conditions or if certain assumptions significantly affect the results. This process provides insights into the reliability and generalizability of the trial outcomes, ultimately strengthening the findings and providing confidence in the data's validity. In contrast, the other options focus on areas that sensitivity analyses do not directly address. While assessing data collection methods, ethical implications, and cost-effectiveness are crucial aspects of clinical trials, these analyses specifically target how changes in input or methodology influence the effectiveness and stability of the data collected in the study.