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Poor-quality medical research: what can journals do? (Commentaries)

Authors :
Altman, Douglas G.
Source :
JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association. June 5, 2002, Vol. 287 Issue 21, p2765, 3 p.
Publication Year :
2002

Abstract

Journal editors can do much to improve the quality of research reports before publication. In addition to peer review, editors can create standards that all authors must meet when writing research reports.<br />The aim of medical research is to advance scientific knowledge and hence--directly or indirectly--lead to improvements in the treatment and prevention of disease. Each research project should continue systematically from previous research and feed into future research. Each project should contribute beneficially to a slowly evolving body of research. A study should not mislead; otherwise it could adversely affect clinical practice and future research. In 1994 I observed that research papers commonly contain methodological errors, report results selectively, and draw unjustified conclusions. Here I revisit the topic and suggest how journal editors can help.

Subjects

Subjects :
Journalism, Medical -- Evaluation

Details

ISSN :
00987484
Volume :
287
Issue :
21
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.87165766