A television advertisement claims that a certain brand of cough drop reduces coughing for 8 hours. Describe an investigation that could be used to determine if this claim is valid. In your answer, include at least a description of:

the treatment to be given to the experimental group
the treatment to be given to the control group
the data to be collected
when the data should be collected
one observation that would lead to the conclusion that the claim is valid

The cohort study will be composed of 80 adults (aged ≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of constant coughing present as a result of a cold, which would be measured by semiautomated ambulatory cough monitor.

This study will be divided into an experimental group and a control group:

No medication (natural drops; e.g. water; saline solution) - Control group
Cough treatment - Experimental group

Data to be collected:

Participant cough will be recorded every hour (until 8 hours are reached) for two consecutive days (for repetitions) in both groups using semiautomated ambulatory cough monitor and analyzed statistically.

Observations:

Experimental group: If coughing is significantly (statistical analysis) reduced within the 8 hours (after repetitions) and a symptom improvement is observed, the hypothesis that cough drops are effective is valid.

Control group: To determine that cough drops treatment is effective, the no-treatment group should score worst and participant should not show significant improvement.

*In scientific experiments, repetitions are important to prevent bias and error.