Mathematical Medicine
Probability
Level
2
An experiment is conducted to test the efficacy of a new medical treatment. Picture a 2 x 2 matrix that summarizes the results as follows
Is the treatment effective?
Can't be determined
No
Yes
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1 solution
The ratio of failed improvements to improvements if the medicine was given is 2 0 0 7 5 = 0 . 3 7 5 , while for no medicine it is 5 0 1 5 = 0 . 3 . This means that there is a higher ratio of people who didn't improve upon taking the medicine, hence it is ineffective.