Question

a double blind study is one in which neither the researchers nor the subjects know who is receiving the placebo why are studies designed this way

Answer 1

The studies are designed this way b/c it removes the power of suggestion and the double-blind study keeps both researchers and participants in the dark. So this compared to who is receiving the treatment which is relevant b/c it stops the researchers from accidentally overbalancing the study participants, or unintentionally favoring their assessment of the conclusions.