On an asymptotic optimality property of play-the-winner and vector-at-a-time sampling.
Simon and Weiss (1975) consider the formulation of the clinical trial as a selection procedure (Bechhofer, Kiefer and Sobel, 1968). The object of the trial is to choose the better treatment with probability ≥ P*, where P* is assigned, when the difference in success probabilities is ≥ Δ*, Δ* also being assigned. They consider a family of single step allocation methods for the reduction of the number of patients given the poorer treatment. Using numerical results, Simon and Weiss conclude that if...