A study showed that low-intensity shock therapy reduces pain levels in patients with lupus. During each session, electrodes were placed on the pain site indicated by the patient. Pain reduction was measured through self-reporting after each session.

Another study is being designed to examine whether low-intensity shock therapy also reduces pain in patients suffering from bulging disks in the thoracic region of the back. Two hundred female patients are subjects in the new study.

Part A: What is an appropriate design for the new study? Include treatments used, method of treatment assignment, and variables that should be measured. (4 points)

Part B: If the study consisted of 100 male and 100 female patients instead of 200 female patients, would you change the study design? If so, how would you modify your design? If not, why not? (4 points)

Part C: Could your design be double-blind? Explain. (2 points)