how do you find research studies

Clinical Trials Information for Patients and Caregivers

Explore the basics of clinical trials, including what they are, how they work, and what to expect.

Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?

Learn about the possible risks and benefits of joining a clinical trial and questions to ask about trials.

Are Clinical Trials Safe?

Learn about informed consent, institutional review boards, and how trials are closely monitored to protect you.

Find Clinical Trials

Find an NCI-supported clinical trial—and learn how to locate other research studies—that may be right for you or a loved one.

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How Do Clinical Trials Work?

Learn about who is eligible to join, how trials are designed, and the responsibilities of research team members.

Who Pays for Clinical Trials?

Learn about the types of costs related to participating in a clinical trial, who is expected to pay for which costs, and tips for working with insurance companies.

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What Are Clinical Trials?

Learn about the purpose and importance of clinical trials, including the different types of clinical trials used in cancer research.

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About Clinical Research

Research participants are partners in discovery at the NIH Clinical Center, the largest research hospital in America. Clinical research is medical research involving people The Clinical Center provides hope through pioneering clinical research to improve human health. We rapidly translate scientific observations and laboratory discoveries into new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease. More than 500,000 people from around the world have participated in clinical research since the hospital opened in 1953. We do not charge patients for participation and treatment in clinical studies at NIH. In certain emergency circumstances, you may qualify for help with travel and other expenses Read more , to see if clinical studies are for you.

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Find NIH Clinical Center Trials

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center Search the Studies site is a registry of publicly supported clinical studies conducted mostly in Bethesda, MD.

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How to find and access peer-reviewed studies (for free)

The peer-reviewed literature is where scientists publish their research, and it is the source for scientific information. As a result, I spend a lot of time on this blog talking about it. I have explained how the peer-review system works (also here ). I have provided advice on how to evaluate studies and how not to evaluate studies . I have explained the hierarchy of evidence . I’ve explained P values and false positives . I’ve explained why many studies are unreliable and why it is important not to cherry-pick studies. I have provided worked examples of how to dissect studies (e.g., here , here and here ), and I do my best to cite studies to back up all the claims I make on this blog. Nevertheless, it was recently pointed out to me that I have utterly failed to explain something important and fundamental: how and where to find peer-reviewed studies. So I am going to remedy that by providing a brief primer on how to go about finding articles on topics you are interested in, and how to get free copies of them.

Where to look

Let’s start with where to look. You can try simply doing a standard Google search, but odds are that you will get flooded with tons of blogs and websites, and it is a pretty inefficient way to find what you are after. A much better option is to use a database specifically tailored to peer-reviewed literature. There are two major ones that are freely available that I’m going to talk about: Google Scholar and PubMed (there are many others that are behind paywalls, but I am going to assume that most people reading this are not academics and don’t have access to those).

Let’s start with Google Scholar. First, I need to make it absolutely clear that this is not the same thing as a regular Google search. Literally anyone can get a blog, write an article, and it will show up in a Google search. In contrast, Google Scholar is tailored for academic articles, and you cannot manually add articles to it*. Instead, Scholar pulls from several academic databases (e.g., JSTORE) and employs bots to scour the internet for DOIs, abstracts, titles, etc., which it uses to identify peer-reviewed articles and add them to its repository. It’s not a perfect system; some articles get missed by the bots, and occasionally they pick up a non-peer-reviewed article that has the trappings of a peer-reviewed article (e.g., a non-reviewed report). Nevertheless, it is an extremely useful tool. It is a massive database that is very easy to use (more on that later) and even though I have access to more well-curated databases, Scholar is usually what I default to for quick searches.

Scholar also has the advantage of being a generalist database. In other words, it is not topic specific, and articles on medicine, zoology, climate change, GMOs, evolution, physics, chemistry, archeology, etc. can all be found within its digital walls. Sometimes though, it is useful to use a more focused database, and that is where PubMed comes in.

As its name suggests, PubMed is a repository for medical papers. It gets its papers both directly from journals and from author submissions. These submissions are checked to ensure that they are scientific papers. As a result, it tends to be more curated than Scholar, and you don’t get as many results that aren’t actually peer-reviewed papers.

There are lots of other databases out there, and if someone reading this has one that they love, feel free to mention it in the comments, but these are the two I’m going to focus on. I will quickly mention though that Mendeley ’s database is often a good place to find more obscure articles. It is another generalist, but it allows author submissions, and on multiple occasions I have found papers there that didn’t show up elsewhere. So, while I wouldn’t use it as a primary database, it can be useful (you have to make an account, but it is free).

*If you are a research and have an account, you can manually add the bibliographic information for an article to Scholar, which may help Scholar to locate it if it hadn’t done so already, but you cannot simply upload an article.

How to search

Now let’s move on to how to actually find the papers you are after. For both PubMed and Scholar you can use them like a standard internet search and type in “vaccines autism,” for example, but that is going to return a ton of studies, so it is usually best to be as specific as possible. For example, if you specifically want to see results from randomized controlled trials, include that in your search terms.

Both databases also have very helpful advanced search settings. For PubMed, there is an “advanced” tab under the main search bar, and this returns a screen with a bunch of pretty self-explanatory options. For example, you can limit results to a specific author, specific journal, specific date range, specific word in the title, etc. Google Scholar is similar, but with fewer options (to get to it, click on the three lines on the left-hand side indicating a drop-down menu, then select “Advanced search”).

It can also be useful to either include or exclude specific words or phrases. PubMed and Scholar both let you include specific words or phrases by simply putting the word or phrase that you care about in quotes, at which point they will limit the searches to articles that contain that quote. This can be very useful if you are getting a lot of irrelevant results that include some parts of your search terms, but not exact phrases you are after. Conversely, there may be times when it is useful to eliminate a word. For example, if you are only interested in studies on humans, you might want to exclude a word like “mice” or “in vitro.” In PubMed, this has to be set in the advanced search option, but in Scholar, you can just ad a minus sign to the beginning of the word (or quoted phrase) that you want to exclude. This should be done cautiously, however, as you may inadvertently exclude relevant studies. For example, if you exclude the word “mice” you may accidentally exclude a study on humans that discussed rodent studies in the introduction or discussion, or even just cited a study with the word “mice” in the title. So, while this feature can be useful, it should be used carefully, and it is often better to put quotes around a word you care about, rather than eliminating a word. For example, you could put “human” in quotes, to force the search to give you more human trials. Having said that, quotes can bias search results and make it easier to cherry pick results (particularly when using long phrases). So, use these tools carefully.

Another really useful approach is to find one relevant study, then look both at the studies it cited and the studies cited by it. To my knowledge, PubMed does not have a “cited by” tab, but Scholar does under each article, thus allowing you to see which articles cited it. Also, both databases have a “related articles” or “similar articles” link under each article, which you can use to find other relevant research.

Personally, I find the citations within a paper to be the most useful. If you really want to understand a topic, then as you go through a paper, you should note the references to related studies that are worth reading. Then, you can use the literature cited section of the paper and Scholar or PubMed to look up those articles and read them. As you read them, you should find yet more articles. As you can well imagine, the number of articles you need to read balloons out pretty quickly, and it is why scientists have to spend so much time reading. This can, however, also provide a useful check for how well you have covered a topic. After reading a large number of papers, you should start to notice that the number of new, relevant papers being cited decreases. You should start to see a lot of familiar citations to papers you’ve already read. In other words, at first, the number of new citations to papers you need to read should be quite large after each paper you read, and that number will continue to grow until you start to get a good grasp on the literature. Then, it will slowly start to decrease as you read more and more of the relevant studies (i.e., it becomes harder and harder to find papers you haven’t read yet). This doesn’t mean that you are an expert and have read all relevant studies, of course, but it is a useful proxy for assessing your thoroughness.

How to get papers for free

Now comes the critical question, how do you actually get the paper without paying for it? In many cases, you can do so directly though Google Scholar or PubMed (Scholar is particularly good at finding and including links to free copies if they are available). Failing that, you have several options.

The first, is to do a standard Google search for the title of the paper. Sometimes, this brings up copies that Scholar missed. You can also check Research Gate and Mendelely, but usually Scholar picks those up. For papers on “physics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, quantitative finance, statistics, electrical engineering and systems science, and economics,” you can also try arXiv.org , which is run by Cornell and offers free, legal, open access to many papers in those fields.

The second option (which is often the best) is simply to contact the author and ask for a copy. In almost every case, they will be more than happy to send one to you. I want to pause here for a moment to make a brief point. Scientists do not get paid for their publications. Those fees to access papers go directly and entirely to the publishers. Scientists do not get one cent from them. So, don’t feel bad about asking a scientist for their research, because you aren’t costing them anything, and they will be thrilled to know that someone is interested in their work.

To actually get a hold of an author, email is usually the best option. At least one author always includes an email address on the paper. If that address doesn’t work, they may have switched universities, but a Google search will usually bring up their current position with their current email. Failing that, you can try to contact them via Research Gate, but at least for me personally, I find that to be an inefficient way for people to get in touch with me. I don’t get notifications from my Research Gate (because they were obnoxious) nor do I check it often, so when people ask me for my papers via Research Gate, it often takes me a long time to respond. In contrast, emailing me usually results in a response is a few hours. I think this is probably true for most academics, so I’d start with email.

One final note about emailing scientists, sometimes people feel like they are inconveniencing scientists by asking for a paper (particularly people who are not academics or students) so they write them a lengthy story about what they are interested in and why they want the paper. Don’t do that. You don’t need to justify your desire for knowledge and you are just wasting their time. All you need to say is, “Dear Dr X, could you please send me a copy of your paper titled, “Y.” Thank you very much, Your Name” or something to that effect. It doesn’t have to be quite that terse, but academics often get hundreds of emails a day, so keeping your message short is appreciated.

If all of that has failed, you can go old school and drive to a University, go to the periodical room of their library, and read the actual physical journal. It sounds antiquated, but periodical rooms are pretty neat, and some older papers haven’t been digitalized.

For obvious reasons, I cannot tell you that you should be using Sci-Hub, but I will tell you my personal view on the situation. I think that information should be available to anyone who wants it, and I think that it is wrong for data to be locked behind paywalls (particularly given how much research is publicly funded via tax dollars). I also think that the current publishing system is an unethical scam. Without going too much into the details, scientists have to pay “page charges” to publish in most journals, ostensibly to cover the cost to the journal for their editorial staff (see section later on predatory journals). Then, the journals sell the papers, and, as mentioned earlier, the scientists get no money back. Every single year, millions (probably billions) of dollars of grant money are paid by scientists for the privilege of being allowed to publish our work. Meanwhile, the journals rake in billions of dollars in profit from selling the articles, and in turn, stopping many people from having access to them.

To put all of that another way, the money flow goes like this:

You pay the government via taxes
The government gives a tiny portion of that to scientists to do research
Scientists have to spend a good chunk of that money to publish their research
Journals make billions of dollars in profit by charging you (the public) to access the results of the research that you already paid for via taxes.

It is an insane system that robs scientists of countless amounts of precious research funding that we could be using to actually test new questions, all while preventing many from reading the research that, in many cases, they funded with their taxes. Sadly, scientists are trapped in this system. We have to publish our research, and if we want good jobs, we have to publish in high-ranking journals, which means we have to publish in journals that charge us. Publishers know this and exploit it. Papers often cost $3,000 or more to publish. So, if you want to know my personal opinion about academic publishing companies and whether or not it is ethical to bypass their fees via Sci-Hub, I say screw them. It’s a stupid, unethical system that should be overthrown. Read up me hearties, it’s a pirate’s life for me (here endeth my rant).

Organizing your papers

This is somewhat tangential, but I think it is important. As you read papers, you should be taking notes and organizing your papers in a way that makes it easy for you to find the papers again in the future. There are several reference organizing programs specifically for this purpose, with Mendeley and Endnote being the two front runners. I started using Mendeley years ago (before it was bought by one of the massive publishers I just ranted about) and moving to a new system now would be too difficult to be worth it. Having said that, I’m really happy with Mendeley. It is free unless you need to store an ungodly number of pdfs, and it lets you organize papers in a lot of useful ways. You can create folders in the program to store different categories of papers, highlight the text, and write notes. Most usefully of all (IMO) you can “tag” papers with custom tags, then subset within a folder (or your whole collection) by those tags. For example, you could have a folder called “climate change” and tags such as: models, hurricanes, and heat waves. Then, if you need to look at a paper on hurricanes, for example, you can just subset by that tag. On top of that, you can then sort by title, author, journal, etc., or do a search for text in your notes or the papers themselves. Additionally, Mendeley backs up to the cloud, so you can access your files from any computer with an internet connection. It is very useful, and I highly recommend it (or EndNote or some other program) if you plan on reading lots of papers.

Predatory journals and reading critically

Finally, I need to make an important point about critically assessing the results you get from your searches. First, as mentioned earlier, databases like Scholar may return results other than peer-reviewed articles. So just because it showed up in the results, doesn’t automatically make it valid research.

Second, there are, unfortunately, a large number of “predatory journals.” These are, to a large extent, “pay-to-publish” journals that lack an actual peer-review system. I need to explain what I mean by this carefully, because this is not the same thing as the page charges I mentioned earlier. For real journals, you submit your paper for review with the acknowledgement that you are willing to pay the charges if the paper is accepted. Then, the paper goes out for review by other scientists, and if it is accepted you have to pay the charges. These journals care greatly about their reputation and at least try to keep shoddy research from being published (though see the next two paragraphs). In contrast, predatory journals are not real journals. They don’t actually do proper peer-review. You pay them just to publish any junk paper without critically assessing it. They are frauds and should not be treated as if they are real journals. Sometimes proper scientists get duped by them, but an awful lot of the papers in them are there because no legitimate journals would take them. Spotting predatory journals can be hard, but Beale’s List has a pretty good collection of journals and publishers to watch out for.

Beyond predatory journals, there is a wide range in quality for journals. Some journals aren’t technically predatory, but also aren’t really legitimate. To give a really extreme example, a while ago, a Bigfoot “researcher” was tired of actual journals rejecting their nonsense paper, so they started their own journal ( de Novo ) and published their “paper” there. I’m sure they reviewed their own paper with the highest of standards (sarcasm). That’s obviously the far end of the spectrum, but there are many journals out there that appear reputable, but actually have a strong bias towards fringe positions and tend to have pretty lax standards for review (looking at journals’ editorial boards, their scope, and their impact factor can be helpful for evaluate them).

Further, even really good journals sometimes publish bad papers. As I have said repeatedly on this blog, the peer-review system is good, but it is far from perfect, so you always have to read critically and look for a consensus of studies. The fact that a study found X doesn’t mean that X is automatically true. Scrutinize the study. Ask questions like, was this published in a reputable journal? Was the sample size large enough? Did they control confounding factors? Did they use appropriate statistics? Then, look at what other studies have found. Look at the entire body of literature rather than cherry-picking a handful of studies that agree with you. If there actually is good evidence that X is true, then you should find multiple large studies that used good methodologies and were published in reputable journals, and you should find few studies that disagree (or the dissenting studies should have small sample sizes, be published in questionable journals, etc.).

In short, databases like Google Scholar and PubMed are wonderful, powerful tools, but with great power comes great responsibility. It is extremely easy to do a quick search, find a paper that confirms your biases, then ignore all other studies and claim that you are right and everyone else is wrong, but it is your responsibility to avoid that temptation. It is your responsibility to be intellectually honest, read papers critically, and carefully examine the entire body of research, not just the studies that confirm your biases.

Google Scholar and PubMed are great databases for scientific research
Their advanced search options are very useful for wading through a mountain of literature
Citations within papers are also very useful for finding other relevant research
Papers that are behind paywalls can be obtained for free by either contacting authors (totally legal) or using Sci-Hub (questionably legal)
Some journals are “predatory” and do not conduct a proper peer-review
Journals and papers range widely in quality and you should avoid blindly believing the first study that agrees with you. Read critically and look at the entire body of literature.

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Clinical Trials: What Patients Need to Know

Basics About Clinical Trials

What are clinical trials.

Clinical trials are research studies in which people volunteer to help find answers to specific health questions. When carefully conducted, they are the safest and fastest way to find new treatments and ways to improve health.

Clinical trials are conducted according to a plan, called a protocol, which describes:

the types of patients who may enter the study
the schedules of tests and procedures
the drugs involved
the dosages, or amount of the drug
the length of the study
what the researchers hope to learn from the study.

Volunteers who participate in the study must agree to the rules and terms outlined in the protocol. Similarly, researchers, doctors, and other health professionals who manage the clinical trials must follow strict rules set by the FDA. These rules make sure that those who agree to participate are treated as safely as possible.

Learn more about the basics of clinical trial participation, read first hand experiences from actual clinical trial volunteers, and see explanations from researchers at the NIH Clinical Research Trials and You Web site.

Why are clinical trials done?

Clinical trials are conducted for many reasons:

to determine whether a new drug or device is safe and effective for people to use.
to study different ways to use standard treatments or current, approved treatments so that they will be more effective, easier to use, or decrease certain side effects.
to learn how to safely use a treatment in a population for which the treatment was not previously tested, such as children.

Who should consider clinical trials and why?

Some people participate in clinical trials because none of the standard (approved) treatment options have worked, or they are unable to tolerate certain side effects. Clinical trials provide another option when standard therapy has failed. Others participate in trials because they want to contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge.

Ensuring people from diverse backgrounds join clinical trials is key to advancing health equity. Participants in clinical trials should represent the patients that will use the medical products. This is often not the case—people from racial and ethnic minority and other diverse groups are underrepresented in clinical research. This is a concern because people of different ages, races, and ethnicities may react differently to certain medical products. Learn more about the clinical trial diversity initiative from the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity.

All clinical trials have guidelines, called eligibility criteria, about who can participate. The criteria are based on such factors as age, sex, type and stage of disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. This helps to reduce the variation within the study and to ensure that the researchers will be able to answer the questions they plan to study. Therefore, not everyone who applies for a clinical trial will be accepted.

It is important to test drugs and medical products in the people they are meant to help. It is also important to conduct research in a variety of people, because different people may respond differently to treatments. FDA seeks to ensure that people of different ages, races, ethnic groups, and genders are included in clinical trials. Learn more about FDA’s efforts to increase diversity in clinical trials .

Where are clinical trials conducted?

Clinical trials can be sponsored by organizations (such as a pharmaceutical company), Federal offices and agencies (such as the National Institutes of Health or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs), or individuals (such as doctors or health care providers). The sponsor determines the location(s) of the trials, which are usually conducted at universities, medical centers, clinics, hospitals, and other Federally or industry-funded research sites.

Are clinical trials safe?

FDA works to protect participants in clinical trials and to ensure that people have reliable information before deciding whether to join a clinical trial. The Federal government has regulations and guidelines for clinical research to protect participants from unreasonable risks. Although efforts are made to control the risks to participants, some may be unavoidable because we are still learning more about the medical treatments in the study.

The government requires researchers to give prospective participants complete and accurate information about what will happen during the trial. Before joining a particular study, you will be given an informed consent document that describes your rights as a participant, as well as details about the study, including potential risks. Signing it indicates that you understand that the trial is research and that you may leave at any time. The informed consent is part of the process that makes sure you understand the known risks associated with the study.

What should I think about before joining a clinical trial?

Before joining a clinical trial, it is important to learn as much as possible. Discuss your questions and concerns with members of the health care team conducting the trial. Also, discuss the trial with your health care provider to determine whether or not the trial is a good option based on your current treatment. Be sure you understand:

what happens during the trial
the type of health care you will receive
any related costs once you are enrolled in the trial
the benefits and risks associated with participating.

What is FDA’s role in approving new drugs and medical treatments?

FDA makes sure medical treatments are safe and effective for people to use. We do not develop new therapies or conduct clinical trials. Rather, we oversee the people who do. FDA staff meet with researchers and perform inspections of clinical trial study sites to protect the rights of patients and to verify the quality and integrity of the data.

Learn more about the Drug Development Process .

Where can I find clinical trials?

One good way to find out if there are any clinical trials that might help you is to ask your doctor. Other sources of information include:

FDA Clinical Trials Search. Search a database of Federally and privately supported studies available through clinicaltrials.gov. Learn about each trial’s purpose, who can participate, locations, and who to contact for more information.
Clinicaltrials.gov. Conduct more advanced searches
National Cancer Institute or call 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237). Learn about clinical trials for people with cancer.
AIDS Clinical Trials and Information Services (ACTIS) or call 1–800–TRIALS–A (1–800–874–2572). Locate clinical trials for people with HIV.
AIDSinfo. Search a database of HIV/AIDS trials, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine.

What is a placebo and how is it related to clinical trials?

A placebo is a pill, liquid, or powder that has no treatment value. It is often called a sugar pill. In clinical trials, experimental drugs are often compared with placebos to evaluate the treatment’s effectiveness.

Is there a chance I might get a placebo?

In clinical trials that include placebos, quite often neither patients nor their doctors know who is receiving the placebo and how is being treated with the experimental drug. Many cancer clinical trials, as well as trials for other serious and life-threatening conditions, do not include placebo control groups. In these cases, all participants receive the experimental drug. Ask the trial coordinator whether there is a chance you may get a placebo rather than the experimental drug. Then, talk with your doctor about what is best for you.

How do I find out what Phase a drug is in as part of the clinical trial?

Talk to the clinical trial coordinator to find out which phase the clinical trial is in. Learn more about the different clinical trial phases and whether they are right for you.

What happens to drugs that don't make it out of clinical trials?

Most drugs that undergo preclinical (animal) research never even make it to human testing and review by the FDA. The drug developers go back to begin the development process using what they learned during with their preclinical research. Learn more about drug development .

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Explaining How Research Works

We’ve heard “follow the science” a lot during the pandemic. But it seems science has taken us on a long and winding road filled with twists and turns, even changing directions at times. That’s led some people to feel they can’t trust science. But when what we know changes, it often means science is working.

Expaling How Research Works Infographic en español

Explaining the scientific process may be one way that science communicators can help maintain public trust in science. Placing research in the bigger context of its field and where it fits into the scientific process can help people better understand and interpret new findings as they emerge. A single study usually uncovers only a piece of a larger puzzle.

Questions about how the world works are often investigated on many different levels. For example, scientists can look at the different atoms in a molecule, cells in a tissue, or how different tissues or systems affect each other. Researchers often must choose one or a finite number of ways to investigate a question. It can take many different studies using different approaches to start piecing the whole picture together.

Sometimes it might seem like research results contradict each other. But often, studies are just looking at different aspects of the same problem. Researchers can also investigate a question using different techniques or timeframes. That may lead them to arrive at different conclusions from the same data.

Using the data available at the time of their study, scientists develop different explanations, or models. New information may mean that a novel model needs to be developed to account for it. The models that prevail are those that can withstand the test of time and incorporate new information. Science is a constantly evolving and self-correcting process.

Scientists gain more confidence about a model through the scientific process. They replicate each other’s work. They present at conferences. And papers undergo peer review, in which experts in the field review the work before it can be published in scientific journals. This helps ensure that the study is up to current scientific standards and maintains a level of integrity. Peer reviewers may find problems with the experiments or think different experiments are needed to justify the conclusions. They might even offer new ways to interpret the data.

It’s important for science communicators to consider which stage a study is at in the scientific process when deciding whether to cover it. Some studies are posted on preprint servers for other scientists to start weighing in on and haven’t yet been fully vetted. Results that haven't yet been subjected to scientific scrutiny should be reported on with care and context to avoid confusion or frustration from readers.

We’ve developed a one-page guide, "How Research Works: Understanding the Process of Science" to help communicators put the process of science into perspective. We hope it can serve as a useful resource to help explain why science changes—and why it’s important to expect that change. Please take a look and share your thoughts with us by sending an email to [email protected].

Below are some additional resources:

Discoveries in Basic Science: A Perfectly Imperfect Process
When Clinical Research Is in the News
What is Basic Science and Why is it Important?
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Research: Where to Begin

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Research isn't something that only scientists and professors do. Any time you use sources to investigate claims or reach new conclusions, you are performing research. Research happens in virtually all fields, so it’s vitally important to know how to conduct research and navigate through source material regardless of your professional or academic role.

Choosing and Narrowing Your Research Topic

Before beginning the process of looking for sources, it’s important to choose a research topic that is specific enough to explore in-depth. If your focus is too broad, it will be difficult to find sources that back up what you’re trying to say.

If your instructor gives you the flexibility to choose your own research topic, you might begin by brainstorming a list of topics that interest you ( click here to visit an OWL page that can help you get started brainstorming or prewriting ). Once you find something that grabs your attention, the next step is to narrow your topic to a manageable scope. Some ways to narrow your focus are by sub-topic, demographic, or time period.

For example, suppose that you want to research cancer treatments. Cancer treatment is a fairly broad topic, so you would be wise to at least consider narrowing your scope. For example, you could focus on a sub-topic of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, these are still broad topics, so you might also narrow your topic to a narrower sub-topic or even examine how these topics relate to a specific demographic or time period. In the end, you might decide to research how radiation therapy for women over fifty has changed in the past twenty years. In sum, having a specific idea of what you want to research helps you find a topic that feels more manageable.

Writing Your Research Question

Writing your research topic as a question helps you focus your topic in a clear and concise way. It ensure that your topic is arguable. While not all research papers have to offer an explicit argument, many do.

For the above example, you might phrase your research question like this: "How has radiation therapy changed in the past twenty years for women over fifty?" Of course, phrasing this topic as a question assumes that the research has, in fact, changed. Reading your sources (or, to begin with, at least summaries and abstracts of those sources) will help you formulate a research question that makes sense.

Knowing What Types of Sources You Need

Depending on the type of research you’re doing, you may need to use different types of sources. Research is usually divided into scholarly and popular, and primary and secondary. For more information on specific details about these types of sources, visit our "Where to Begin" page in our "Evaluating Sources" subsection. This subsection contains additional pages that explore various kinds of sources (like, e.g., internet sources) in more detail.

Asking Productive Questions

Before you begin your research, you should ask yourself questions that help narrow your search parameters.

What kind of information are you looking for?

Different types of research will require different sources. It’s important to know what kinds of sources your research demands. Ask whether you need facts or opinions, news reports, research studies, statistics and data, personal reflections, archival research, etc. Restricting yourself to only the most relevant kinds of sources will make the research process seem less daunting.

Where do you need to look for your research?

Your research topic will also dictate where you find your sources. This extends beyond simply whether you use the internet or a print source. For example, if you are searching for information on a current event, a well-regarded newspaper like the New York Times or Wall Street Journal could be a useful source. If you are searching for statistics on some aspect of the U.S. population, then you might want to start with government documents, such as census reports. While much high-level academic research relies mainly on the sorts of academic journal articles and scholarly books that can be found in university libraries, depending the nature of your research project, you may need to look elsewhere.

How much information do you need?

Different research projects require different numbers of sources. For example, if you need to address both sides of a controversial issue, you may need to find more sources than if you were pursuing a non-controversial topic. Be sure to speak with your instructor if you are unclear on how many sources you will be expected to use.

How timely does your research need to be?

Depending on your research topic, the timeliness of your source may or may not matter. For example, if you are looking into recent changes in a specific scientific field, you would want the most up-to-date research. However, if you were researching the War of 1812, you might benefit from finding primary sources written during that time period.

Research & Clinical Trials > How to Find Studies > Basic Tips

Basic tips for searching studies

Research helps experts to understand more about health and disease and to develop new strategies that improve people’s health. By participating in research, people like you may hold the key to better health outcomes for all. Here are some tips to get you started.

Before you search

Every patient has the right to know about all of their options for care, including clinical trials and research, but your healthcare professionals may not be aware of all the research opportunities available to you, especially if they practice at a hospital or facility that is not enrolling patients in a study. Inform your doctors before and after enrolling in a study, even if they did not recommend it to you—they may have important insights, questions, or recommendations about your participation.

It’s helpful to have your medical records on hand as you search for research studies. You may also need copies of your medical records to participate.

If you need additional help

Need support, or help finding research studies? Sign up for our Peer Navigation Program to be matched with a trained volunteer who can assist you. If you need help understanding the terminology and abbreviations used in clinical trials, visit our list of definitions .

Which type of study?

Our online Research Search Tool is organized into helpful categories::

Eligible participants: People who have been diagnosed with cancer or certain types of precancerous conditions.
Research focus: Treating active cancer or preventing cancer from returning after treatment. It also includes studies of treatment side effects.
Visit this page for additional tips for searching for treatment studies.
Eligible participants: People who are at average, or increased risk for cancer. Studies may also include previously diagnosed cancer patients who wish to participate in research that is focused on their future risk of cancers.
Research focus: Cancer risk assessment, genetic testing, screening and early detection, cancer prevention or risk reduction.
Visit this page for additional tips for searching for prevention, detection, and risk studies.
Eligible participants: People with or without a cancer diagnosis.
Research focus: Long-term health outcomes after cancer diagnosis, treatment, or prevention. This category also includes studies on emotional health and coping, symptoms of surgical menopause, and fertility preservation.
Visit this page for additional tips for searching for quality of life and wellbeing studies.
Eligible participants: Depends on the focus of the research.
Research focus: Studies in this section may focus on a variety of topics. These studies involve completing a survey, questionnaire, phone, or in-person interview. Registries—research studies that collect patient data and observe how a person’s health changes over time—may ask participants to provide access to their medical records, lab test results or other health information, and permission to contact them for updates.

If there are no study sites enrolling near you

Most research studies list specific sites enrolling patients; however, sometimes lists are incomplete or outdated. If you are interested in a clinical trial or study that is not enrolling in your area, reach out to the main study contact to see if you can participate remotely or if they have future plans to open a study site near you.

Some people who do not have clinical trials in their areas are willing and able to travel to another city or state to participate. Clinical trials sometimes have provisions for covering travel costs, so it's worthwhile to reach out to the study contact to learn your options. Hotels near a medical facility may offer discounts or financial assistance for people who travel for medical care.

If you plan to travel out of the United States to participate in a clinical trial, be aware that other countries may have different laws and protections regarding patient participation in research.

Keyword searches

Our tool allows you to add a keyword to your search. Spelling matters! If you do not see results that you expect, check the spelling or see if there is an alternate term or name for the word for which you are searching. Or try your search without the keyword to see if it yields more results.

Cost to participate in research

Your health insurance is required to cover routine costs for your care, including routine care that you receive under a clinical trial. Insurance companies may not have to cover the cost of an experimental treatment or procedure the trial is studying. Many clinical trials cover costs that might not be covered by insurance. Ask the research team about any possible out-of-pocket costs you may incur. Some studies cover travel, parking, and childcare, and some provide a stipend or gift card in exchange for your time.

About our Research Study Search Tool

FORCE’s Featured Research Page and our Research Search Tool focus specifically on research studies that are enrolling patients with, or at high risk for hereditary cancer hereditary cancer. Our tool searches two research study databases:

Our Featured Research database includes studies that are enrolling people who have, or are at high risk for hereditary cancer.
Studies that are listed on the clinicaltrials.gov website.

Related Resources

Watch our conference presentation on participating in clinical trials for people w/ inherited mutations: why, when and how.

Read our privacy policy .

Home » Research Findings – Types Examples and Writing Guide

Research Findings – Types Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Findings

Definition:

Research findings refer to the results obtained from a study or investigation conducted through a systematic and scientific approach. These findings are the outcomes of the data analysis, interpretation, and evaluation carried out during the research process.

Types of Research Findings

There are two main types of research findings:

Qualitative Findings

Qualitative research is an exploratory research method used to understand the complexities of human behavior and experiences. Qualitative findings are non-numerical and descriptive data that describe the meaning and interpretation of the data collected. Examples of qualitative findings include quotes from participants, themes that emerge from the data, and descriptions of experiences and phenomena.

Quantitative Findings

Quantitative research is a research method that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to measure and quantify a phenomenon or behavior. Quantitative findings include numerical data such as mean, median, and mode, as well as statistical analyses such as t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analysis. These findings are often presented in tables, graphs, or charts.

Both qualitative and quantitative findings are important in research and can provide different insights into a research question or problem. Combining both types of findings can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a phenomenon and improve the validity and reliability of research results.

Parts of Research Findings

Research findings typically consist of several parts, including:

Introduction: This section provides an overview of the research topic and the purpose of the study.
Literature Review: This section summarizes previous research studies and findings that are relevant to the current study.
Methodology : This section describes the research design, methods, and procedures used in the study, including details on the sample, data collection, and data analysis.
Results : This section presents the findings of the study, including statistical analyses and data visualizations.
Discussion : This section interprets the results and explains what they mean in relation to the research question(s) and hypotheses. It may also compare and contrast the current findings with previous research studies and explore any implications or limitations of the study.
Conclusion : This section provides a summary of the key findings and the main conclusions of the study.
Recommendations: This section suggests areas for further research and potential applications or implications of the study’s findings.

How to Write Research Findings

Writing research findings requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some general steps to follow when writing research findings:

Organize your findings: Before you begin writing, it’s essential to organize your findings logically. Consider creating an outline or a flowchart that outlines the main points you want to make and how they relate to one another.
Use clear and concise language : When presenting your findings, be sure to use clear and concise language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms unless they are necessary to convey your meaning.
Use visual aids : Visual aids such as tables, charts, and graphs can be helpful in presenting your findings. Be sure to label and title your visual aids clearly, and make sure they are easy to read.
Use headings and subheadings: Using headings and subheadings can help organize your findings and make them easier to read. Make sure your headings and subheadings are clear and descriptive.
Interpret your findings : When presenting your findings, it’s important to provide some interpretation of what the results mean. This can include discussing how your findings relate to the existing literature, identifying any limitations of your study, and suggesting areas for future research.
Be precise and accurate : When presenting your findings, be sure to use precise and accurate language. Avoid making generalizations or overstatements and be careful not to misrepresent your data.
Edit and revise: Once you have written your research findings, be sure to edit and revise them carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, make sure your formatting is consistent, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise.

Research Findings Example

Following is a Research Findings Example sample for students:

Title: The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health

Sample : 500 participants, both men and women, between the ages of 18-45.

Methodology : Participants were divided into two groups. The first group engaged in 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise five times a week for eight weeks. The second group did not exercise during the study period. Participants in both groups completed a questionnaire that assessed their mental health before and after the study period.

Findings : The group that engaged in regular exercise reported a significant improvement in mental health compared to the control group. Specifically, they reported lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved mood, and increased self-esteem.

Conclusion : Regular exercise can have a positive impact on mental health and may be an effective intervention for individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Applications of Research Findings

Research findings can be applied in various fields to improve processes, products, services, and outcomes. Here are some examples:

Healthcare : Research findings in medicine and healthcare can be applied to improve patient outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality rates, and develop new treatments for various diseases.
Education : Research findings in education can be used to develop effective teaching methods, improve learning outcomes, and design new educational programs.
Technology : Research findings in technology can be applied to develop new products, improve existing products, and enhance user experiences.
Business : Research findings in business can be applied to develop new strategies, improve operations, and increase profitability.
Public Policy: Research findings can be used to inform public policy decisions on issues such as environmental protection, social welfare, and economic development.
Social Sciences: Research findings in social sciences can be used to improve understanding of human behavior and social phenomena, inform public policy decisions, and develop interventions to address social issues.
Agriculture: Research findings in agriculture can be applied to improve crop yields, develop new farming techniques, and enhance food security.
Sports : Research findings in sports can be applied to improve athlete performance, reduce injuries, and develop new training programs.

When to use Research Findings

Research findings can be used in a variety of situations, depending on the context and the purpose. Here are some examples of when research findings may be useful:

Decision-making : Research findings can be used to inform decisions in various fields, such as business, education, healthcare, and public policy. For example, a business may use market research findings to make decisions about new product development or marketing strategies.
Problem-solving : Research findings can be used to solve problems or challenges in various fields, such as healthcare, engineering, and social sciences. For example, medical researchers may use findings from clinical trials to develop new treatments for diseases.
Policy development : Research findings can be used to inform the development of policies in various fields, such as environmental protection, social welfare, and economic development. For example, policymakers may use research findings to develop policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Program evaluation: Research findings can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of programs or interventions in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and social services. For example, educational researchers may use findings from evaluations of educational programs to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Innovation: Research findings can be used to inspire or guide innovation in various fields, such as technology and engineering. For example, engineers may use research findings on materials science to develop new and innovative products.

Purpose of Research Findings

The purpose of research findings is to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of a particular topic or issue. Research findings are the result of a systematic and rigorous investigation of a research question or hypothesis, using appropriate research methods and techniques.

The main purposes of research findings are:

To generate new knowledge : Research findings contribute to the body of knowledge on a particular topic, by adding new information, insights, and understanding to the existing knowledge base.
To test hypotheses or theories : Research findings can be used to test hypotheses or theories that have been proposed in a particular field or discipline. This helps to determine the validity and reliability of the hypotheses or theories, and to refine or develop new ones.
To inform practice: Research findings can be used to inform practice in various fields, such as healthcare, education, and business. By identifying best practices and evidence-based interventions, research findings can help practitioners to make informed decisions and improve outcomes.
To identify gaps in knowledge: Research findings can help to identify gaps in knowledge and understanding of a particular topic, which can then be addressed by further research.
To contribute to policy development: Research findings can be used to inform policy development in various fields, such as environmental protection, social welfare, and economic development. By providing evidence-based recommendations, research findings can help policymakers to develop effective policies that address societal challenges.

Characteristics of Research Findings

Research findings have several key characteristics that distinguish them from other types of information or knowledge. Here are some of the main characteristics of research findings:

Objective : Research findings are based on a systematic and rigorous investigation of a research question or hypothesis, using appropriate research methods and techniques. As such, they are generally considered to be more objective and reliable than other types of information.
Empirical : Research findings are based on empirical evidence, which means that they are derived from observations or measurements of the real world. This gives them a high degree of credibility and validity.
Generalizable : Research findings are often intended to be generalizable to a larger population or context beyond the specific study. This means that the findings can be applied to other situations or populations with similar characteristics.
Transparent : Research findings are typically reported in a transparent manner, with a clear description of the research methods and data analysis techniques used. This allows others to assess the credibility and reliability of the findings.
Peer-reviewed: Research findings are often subject to a rigorous peer-review process, in which experts in the field review the research methods, data analysis, and conclusions of the study. This helps to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.
Reproducible : Research findings are often designed to be reproducible, meaning that other researchers can replicate the study using the same methods and obtain similar results. This helps to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.

Advantages of Research Findings

Research findings have many advantages, which make them valuable sources of knowledge and information. Here are some of the main advantages of research findings:

Evidence-based: Research findings are based on empirical evidence, which means that they are grounded in data and observations from the real world. This makes them a reliable and credible source of information.
Inform decision-making: Research findings can be used to inform decision-making in various fields, such as healthcare, education, and business. By identifying best practices and evidence-based interventions, research findings can help practitioners and policymakers to make informed decisions and improve outcomes.
Identify gaps in knowledge: Research findings can help to identify gaps in knowledge and understanding of a particular topic, which can then be addressed by further research. This contributes to the ongoing development of knowledge in various fields.
Improve outcomes : Research findings can be used to develop and implement evidence-based practices and interventions, which have been shown to improve outcomes in various fields, such as healthcare, education, and social services.
Foster innovation: Research findings can inspire or guide innovation in various fields, such as technology and engineering. By providing new information and understanding of a particular topic, research findings can stimulate new ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
Enhance credibility: Research findings are generally considered to be more credible and reliable than other types of information, as they are based on rigorous research methods and are subject to peer-review processes.

Limitations of Research Findings

While research findings have many advantages, they also have some limitations. Here are some of the main limitations of research findings:

Limited scope: Research findings are typically based on a particular study or set of studies, which may have a limited scope or focus. This means that they may not be applicable to other contexts or populations.
Potential for bias : Research findings can be influenced by various sources of bias, such as researcher bias, selection bias, or measurement bias. This can affect the validity and reliability of the findings.
Ethical considerations: Research findings can raise ethical considerations, particularly in studies involving human subjects. Researchers must ensure that their studies are conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, with appropriate measures to protect the welfare and privacy of participants.
Time and resource constraints : Research studies can be time-consuming and require significant resources, which can limit the number and scope of studies that are conducted. This can lead to gaps in knowledge or a lack of research on certain topics.
Complexity: Some research findings can be complex and difficult to interpret, particularly in fields such as science or medicine. This can make it challenging for practitioners and policymakers to apply the findings to their work.
Lack of generalizability : While research findings are intended to be generalizable to larger populations or contexts, there may be factors that limit their generalizability. For example, cultural or environmental factors may influence how a particular intervention or treatment works in different populations or contexts.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I identify a research study?

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Please note:

Answered by: david hisle last updated: aug 30, 2022 views: 66882.

These guidelines can help you identify a research study and distinguish an article that presents the findings of a research study from other types of articles.

Ask a research question
Identify a research population or group
Describe a research method
Test or measure something
Summarize the results

Research studies are almost always published in peer-reviewed (scholarly) journals. The articles often contain headings similar to these: Literature Review, Method, Results, Discussion , and Conclusion .

Articles that review other studies without presenting new research results are not research studies. Examples of article types that are NOT research studies include:

literature reviews
meta-analyses
case studies
comments or letters relating to previously-published research studies

Some databases allow you to limit by publication type. Use this feature to help identify research studies. Here are tips for limiting by publication type in several popular databases:

Click on the Advanced Search button.
Type your search terms in the top boxes.
In the area below the search boxes, find the box labeled "Publication Type".
Select "Peer Reviewed Journal"
empirical study
follow-up study
longitudinal study
prospective study
retrospective study
treatment outcomes study

ERIC via EBSCO host :

In the area below the search boxes, find the box labeled "Journal or Document".
Select "Journal Articles" from the menu choices.
Further down the screen, find the box labeled "Publication Type".
Select "Reports - Research / Technical."
Look carefully at the article abstracts to see if the article meets the requirements of a research study. Sometimes, you may have to look at the actual article to make this determination.

Some databases, like Sociological Abstracts , and Social Work Abstracts allow you to limit to "Articles" or "Abstracts of Journal Articles," but do not have more specific publication types. In Sociological Abstracts , a quick and dirty way to find research studies is to limit to "Articles" and then add "tables" to your search. This works because most research studies contain tables, and this is an indexed field in this database. For example, you might search for "gender and tables." This doesn't work well in Social Work Abstracts , though, because "tables" is not indexed. Instead, try something like "gender and research study" or even "gender and study." In all of these examples, you need to carefully examine the abstracts to see if the articles meet the requirements of a research study.

Many of the EBSCO host databases (e.g., Academic Search Complete , Health Source Nursing/Academic Edition, Sociological Collection ) allow you to limit to peer reviewed journals, but not by specific publication type. Be sure to click in the box to limit to peer reviewed journals. Then, add terms like "research study," "empirical," or "longitudinal" to your search. Again, carefully examine the abstracts to see if the articles meet the requirements of a research study.

Here is an example of an abstract of a research study from Sociological Collection . Phrases that help identify it as a research study are in bold:

Self-pity is a frequent response to stressful events. So far, however, empirical research has paid only scant attention to this subject. The present article aims at exploring personality characteristics associated with individual differences in feeling sorry for oneself . Two studies with N=5141 and N=5161 university students were conducted, employing multidimensional measures of personality, control beliefs, anger, loneliness, and adult attachment. With respect to personality, results showed strong associations of self-pity with neuroticism, particularly with the depression facet. With respect to control beliefs, individuals high in self-pity showed generalized externality beliefs, seeing themselves as controlled by both chance and powerful others. With respect to anger expression, self-pity was primarily related to anger-in. Strong connections with anger rumination were also found. Furthermore, individuals high in self-pity reported emotional loneliness and ambivalent-worrisome attachments. Finally, in both studies, a strong correlation with gender was found, with women reporting more self-pity reactions to stress than men. Findings are discussed with respect to how they support, extend, and qualify the previous literature on self-pity, and directions for future empirical research are pointed out.

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Basic Steps in the Research Process

The following steps outline a simple and effective strategy for writing a research paper. Depending on your familiarity with the topic and the challenges you encounter along the way, you may need to rearrange these steps.

Step 1: Identify and develop your topic

Selecting a topic can be the most challenging part of a research assignment. Since this is the very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that it be done correctly. Here are some tips for selecting a topic:

Select a topic within the parameters set by the assignment. Many times your instructor will give you clear guidelines as to what you can and cannot write about. Failure to work within these guidelines may result in your proposed paper being deemed unacceptable by your instructor.
Select a topic of personal interest to you and learn more about it. The research for and writing of a paper will be more enjoyable if you are writing about something that you find interesting.
Select a topic for which you can find a manageable amount of information. Do a preliminary search of information sources to determine whether existing sources will meet your needs. If you find too much information, you may need to narrow your topic; if you find too little, you may need to broaden your topic.
Be original. Your instructor reads hundreds of research papers every year, and many of them are on the same topics (topics in the news at the time, controversial issues, subjects for which there is ample and easily accessed information). Stand out from your classmates by selecting an interesting and off-the-beaten-path topic.
Still can't come up with a topic to write about? See your instructor for advice.

Once you have identified your topic, it may help to state it as a question. For example, if you are interested in finding out about the epidemic of obesity in the American population, you might pose the question "What are the causes of obesity in America ?" By posing your subject as a question you can more easily identify the main concepts or keywords to be used in your research.

Step 2 : Do a preliminary search for information

Before beginning your research in earnest, do a preliminary search to determine whether there is enough information out there for your needs and to set the context of your research. Look up your keywords in the appropriate titles in the library's Reference collection (such as encyclopedias and dictionaries) and in other sources such as our catalog of books, periodical databases, and Internet search engines. Additional background information may be found in your lecture notes, textbooks, and reserve readings. You may find it necessary to adjust the focus of your topic in light of the resources available to you.

Step 3: Locate materials

With the direction of your research now clear to you, you can begin locating material on your topic. There are a number of places you can look for information:

If you are looking for books, do a subject search in One Search . A Keyword search can be performed if the subject search doesn't yield enough information. Print or write down the citation information (author, title,etc.) and the location (call number and collection) of the item(s). Note the circulation status. When you locate the book on the shelf, look at the books located nearby; similar items are always shelved in the same area. The Aleph catalog also indexes the library's audio-visual holdings.

Use the library's electronic periodical databases to find magazine and newspaper articles. Choose the databases and formats best suited to your particular topic; ask at the librarian at the Reference Desk if you need help figuring out which database best meets your needs. Many of the articles in the databases are available in full-text format.

Use search engines ( Google , Yahoo , etc.) and subject directories to locate materials on the Internet. Check the Internet Resources section of the NHCC Library web site for helpful subject links.

Step 4: Evaluate your sources

See the CARS Checklist for Information Quality for tips on evaluating the authority and quality of the information you have located. Your instructor expects that you will provide credible, truthful, and reliable information and you have every right to expect that the sources you use are providing the same. This step is especially important when using Internet resources, many of which are regarded as less than reliable.

Step 5: Make notes

Consult the resources you have chosen and note the information that will be useful in your paper. Be sure to document all the sources you consult, even if you there is a chance you may not use that particular source. The author, title, publisher, URL, and other information will be needed later when creating a bibliography.

Step 6: Write your paper

Begin by organizing the information you have collected. The next step is the rough draft, wherein you get your ideas on paper in an unfinished fashion. This step will help you organize your ideas and determine the form your final paper will take. After this, you will revise the draft as many times as you think necessary to create a final product to turn in to your instructor.

Step 7: Cite your sources properly

Give credit where credit is due; cite your sources.

Citing or documenting the sources used in your research serves two purposes: it gives proper credit to the authors of the materials used, and it allows those who are reading your work to duplicate your research and locate the sources that you have listed as references. The MLA and the APA Styles are two popular citation formats.

Failure to cite your sources properly is plagiarism. Plagiarism is avoidable!

Step 8: Proofread

The final step in the process is to proofread the paper you have created. Read through the text and check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Make sure the sources you used are cited properly. Make sure the message that you want to get across to the reader has been thoroughly stated.

Additional research tips:

Work from the general to the specific -- find background information first, then use more specific sources.
Don't forget print sources -- many times print materials are more easily accessed and every bit as helpful as online resources.
The library has books on the topic of writing research papers at call number area LB 2369.
If you have questions about the assignment, ask your instructor.
If you have any questions about finding information in the library, ask the librarian.

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How to find out who funded a study / research?

It has been proven that the source of funding can have an influence on the results of a research ( funding bias , well documented here and here ).

When we check for pieces of research, for example through the Pubmed database, how can we check the source of funding? (And check for possible financial conflict of interest?)

publications
literature-search

3 I think that your first statement urgently calls for references. As for determining sources of funding, AFAIK, research papers typically include acknowledgement of funding sources and even specific grant references. Many authors also include conflict of interests statements. – Aleksandr Blekh Commented Oct 27, 2015 at 3:07
Are you referring to government funding? Private funding? something else? – ff524 Commented Oct 27, 2015 at 3:20
@AleksandrBlekh : Just added some references you asked for. Does this mean that there is no way to verify the funding source of a study, other than look at what is claimed by the authors in the paper ? – lapin Commented Oct 27, 2015 at 3:50
1 I asked because it's easier to find out who gets government funding (NIH RePORTER, for example). For private funding, there's no way to check other than what authors themselves report in the paper. (Why should there be a way to check? Who is supposed to be responsible for verifying funding source?) – ff524 Commented Oct 27, 2015 at 4:02
2 Reputable journals require authors to disclose funding sources and other financial interests, which are then displayed in the article text. See for example here . – Dan Romik Commented Oct 27, 2015 at 4:55

3 Answers 3

Reputable journals might require authors to disclose funding sources, but as noted, this practice, reputable journals notwithstanding, is inconsistent. Beyond this, there are no standards for determining what is a reputable journal.

As to the comment that two citations do not prove the point, the literature is replete with studies demonstrating funding bias; a few examples: Pharmaceutical industry sponsorship and research outcome and quality, Lexchen, Bern et al; Avoiding biasing the conduct and reporting…, Hillman, Eisenberg, et al; Systematic review of empirical evidence of study publication bias, Dwan, Altman et al.

I wouldn't say that two studies is "proven," especially when neither of those is empirical: The first one is a literature review, and the second one is a theoretical article. Besides, both of them talk almost exclusively about the funding of medical/pharmaceutical research by pharmaceutical companies, and not about funding agencies as a whole.

That said, journals are supposed to be the gatekeepers of this information. When scientists submit a journal article, most journals these days ask them to disclose a conflict of interest: whether their funding or other personal interests is tied up with the research they're doing. Some journals publish this information publicly for readers to see, and others do not. Some journals require a funding statement - a little paragraph in the footnotes that states where the funding comes from

But this is done inconsistently; there's no standard from journal to journal, and not all journals report the information at all. The one "exception" is NIH funding - because of new NIH regulations, scientists have to disclose their NIH funding in the journal article and link their funding to the articles themselves, so theoretically the public can see where their tax dollars are going. In practice, the process of linking can take several weeks to several months (although this will probably speed up as it becomes more commonplace).

So the answer is - often times the only way to check IS what authors themselves report in the paper, short of contacting the author(s) and asking them yourself.

I would note that there are many other NIH-type "exceptions" - it's a policy for all UK RCUK-funded grants, for example - but exactly how effective these policies have been is not yet clear. – Andrew is gone Commented Oct 27, 2015 at 9:26

All funds I've been involved in did require thanking the source (and often state the exact grant) in any publications.

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v.18(6); 2022 Jun

Ten simple rules for good research practice

Simon schwab.

1 Center for Reproducible Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

2 Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Perrine Janiaud

3 Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Michael Dayan

4 Human Neuroscience Platform, Fondation Campus Biotech Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Valentin Amrhein

5 Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Radoslaw Panczak

6 Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Patricia M. Palagi

7 SIB Training Group, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland

Lars G. Hemkens

8 Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America

9 Meta-Research Innovation Center Berlin (METRIC-B), Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany

Meike Ramon

10 Applied Face Cognition Lab, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

Nicolas Rothen

11 Faculty of Psychology, UniDistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland

Stephen Senn

12 Statistical Consultant, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Leonhard Held

This is a PLOS Computational Biology Methods paper.

Introduction

The lack of research reproducibility has caused growing concern across various scientific fields [ 1 – 5 ]. Today, there is widespread agreement, within and outside academia, that scientific research is suffering from a reproducibility crisis [ 6 , 7 ]. Researchers reach different conclusions—even when the same data have been processed—simply due to varied analytical procedures [ 8 , 9 ]. As we continue to recognize this problematic situation, some major causes of irreproducible research have been identified. This, in turn, provides the foundation for improvement by identifying and advocating for good research practices (GRPs). Indeed, powerful solutions are available, for example, preregistration of study protocols and statistical analysis plans, sharing of data and analysis code, and adherence to reporting guidelines. Although these and other best practices may facilitate reproducible research and increase trust in science, it remains the responsibility of researchers themselves to actively integrate them into their everyday research practices.

Contrary to ubiquitous specialized training, cross-disciplinary courses focusing on best practices to enhance the quality of research are lacking at universities and are urgently needed. The intersections between disciplines offer a space for peer evaluation, mutual learning, and sharing of best practices. In medical research, interdisciplinary work is inevitable. For example, conducting clinical trials requires experts with diverse backgrounds, including clinical medicine, pharmacology, biostatistics, evidence synthesis, nursing, and implementation science. Bringing researchers with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience together to exchange knowledge and learn about problems and solutions adds value and improves the quality of research.

The present selection of rules was based on our experiences with teaching GRP courses at the University of Zurich, our course participants’ feedback, and the views of a cross-disciplinary group of experts from within the Swiss Reproducibility Network ( www.swissrn.org ). The list is neither exhaustive, nor does it aim to address and systematically summarize the wide spectrum of issues including research ethics and legal aspects (e.g., related to misconduct, conflicts of interests, and scientific integrity). Instead, we focused on practical advice at the different stages of everyday research: from planning and execution to reporting of research. For a more comprehensive overview on GRPs, we point to the United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council’s guidelines [ 10 ] and the Swedish Research Council’s report [ 11 ]. While the discussion of the rules may predominantly focus on clinical research, much applies, in principle, to basic biomedical research and research in other domains as well.

The 10 proposed rules can serve multiple purposes: an introduction for researchers to relevant concepts to improve research quality, a primer for early-career researchers who participate in our GRP courses, or a starting point for lecturers who plan a GRP course at their own institutions. The 10 rules are grouped according to planning (5 rules), execution (3 rules), and reporting of research (2 rules); see Fig 1 . These principles can (and should) be implemented as a habit in everyday research, just like toothbrushing.

An external file that holds a picture, illustration, etc.
Object name is pcbi.1010139.g001.jpg

GRP, good research practices.

Research planning

Rule 1: specify your research question.

Coming up with a research question is not always simple and may take time. A successful study requires a narrow and clear research question. In evidence-based research, prior studies are assessed in a systematic and transparent way to identify a research gap for a new study that answers a question that matters [ 12 ]. Papers that provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in the field are particularly helpful—for example, systematic reviews. Perspective papers may also be useful, for example, there is a paper with the title “SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: The most important research questions.” However, a systematic assessment of research gaps deserves more attention than opinion-based publications.

In the next step, a vague research question should be further developed and refined. In clinical research and evidence-based medicine, there is an approach called population, intervention, comparator, outcome, and time frame (PICOT) with a set of criteria that can help framing a research question [ 13 ]. From a well-developed research question, subsequent steps will follow, which may include the exact definition of the population, the outcome, the data to be collected, and the sample size that is required. It may be useful to find out if other researchers find the idea interesting as well and whether it might promise a valuable contribution to the field. However, actively involving the public or the patients can be a more effective way to determine what research questions matter.

The level of details in a research question also depends on whether the planned research is confirmatory or exploratory. In contrast to confirmatory research, exploratory research does not require a well-defined hypothesis from the start. Some examples of exploratory experiments are those based on omics and multi-omics experiments (genomics, bulk RNA-Seq, single-cell, etc.) in systems biology and connectomics and whole-brain analyses in brain imaging. Both exploration and confirmation are needed in science, and it is helpful to understand their strengths and limitations [ 14 , 15 ].

Rule 2: Write and register a study protocol

In clinical research, registration of clinical trials has become a standard since the late 1990 and is now a legal requirement in many countries. Such studies require a study protocol to be registered, for example, with ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Clinical Trials Register, or the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Similar effort has been implemented for registration of systematic reviews (PROSPERO). Study registration has also been proposed for observational studies [ 16 ] and more recently in preclinical animal research [ 17 ] and is now being advocated across disciplines under the term “preregistration” [ 18 , 19 ].

Study protocols typically document at minimum the research question and hypothesis, a description of the population, the targeted sample size, the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the study design, the data collection, the data processing and transformation, and the planned statistical analyses. The registration of study protocols reduces publication bias and hindsight bias and can safeguard honest research and minimize waste of research [ 20 – 22 ]. Registration ensures that studies can be scrutinized by comparing the reported research with what was actually planned and written in the protocol, and any discrepancies may indicate serious problems (e.g., outcome switching).

Note that registration does not mean that researchers have no flexibility to adapt the plan as needed. Indeed, new or more appropriate procedures may become available or known only after registration of a study. Therefore, a more detailed statistical analysis plan can be amended to the protocol before the data are observed or unblinded [ 23 , 24 ]. Likewise, registration does not exclude the possibility to conduct exploratory data analyses; however, they must be clearly reported as such.

To go even further, registered reports are a novel article type that incentivize high-quality research—irrespective of the ultimate study outcome [ 25 , 26 ]. With registered reports, peer-reviewers decide before anyone knows the results of the study, and they have a more active role in being able to influence the design and analysis of the study. Journals from various disciplines increasingly support registered reports [ 27 ].

Naturally, preregistration and registered reports also have their limitations and may not be appropriate in a purely hypothesis-generating (explorative) framework. Reports of exploratory studies should indeed not be molded into a confirmatory framework; appropriate rigorous reporting alternatives have been suggested and start to become implemented [ 28 , 29 ].

Rule 3: Justify your sample size

Early-career researchers in our GRP courses often identify sample size as an issue in their research. For example, they say that they work with a low number of samples due to slow growth of cells, or they have a limited number of patient tumor samples due to a rare disease. But if your sample size is too low, your study has a high risk of providing a false negative result (type II error). In other words, you are unlikely to find an effect even if there truly was an effect.

Unfortunately, there is more bad news with small studies. When an effect from a small study was selected for drawing conclusions because it was statistically significant, low power increases the probability that an effect size is overestimated [ 30 , 31 ]. The reason is that with low power, studies that due to sampling variation find larger (overestimated) effects are much more likely to be statistically significant than those that happen to find smaller (more realistic) effects [ 30 , 32 , 33 ]. Thus, in such situations, effect sizes are often overestimated. For the phenomenon that small studies often report more extreme results (in meta-analyses), the term “small-study effect” was introduced [ 34 ]. In any case, an underpowered study is a problematic study, no matter the outcome.

In conclusion, small sample sizes can undermine research, but when is a study too small? For one study, a total of 50 patients may be fine, but for another, 1,000 patients may be required. How large a study needs to be designed requires an appropriate sample size calculation. Appropriate sample size calculation ensures that enough data are collected to ensure sufficient statistical power (the probability to reject the null hypothesis when it is in fact false).

Low-powered studies can be avoided by performing a sample size calculation to find out the required sample size of the study. This requires specifying a primary outcome variable and the magnitude of effect you are interested in (among some other factors); in clinical research, this is often the minimal clinically relevant difference. The statistical power is often set at 80% or larger. A comprehensive list of packages for sample size calculation are available [ 35 ], among them the R package “pwr” [ 36 ]. There are also many online calculators available, for example, the University of Zurich’s “SampleSizeR” [ 37 ].

A worthwhile alternative for planning the sample size that puts less emphasis on null hypothesis testing is based on the desired precision of the study; for example, one can calculate the sample size that is necessary to obtain a desired width of a confidence interval for the targeted effect [ 38 – 40 ]. A general framework to sample size justification beyond a calculation-only approach has been proposed [ 41 ]. It is also worth mentioning that some study types have other requirements or need specific methods. In diagnostic testing, one would need to determine the anticipated minimal sensitivity or specificity; in prognostic research, the number of parameters that can be used to fit a prediction model given a fixed sample size should be specified. Designs can also be so complex that a simulation (Monte Carlo method) may be required.

Sample size calculations should be done under different assumptions, and the largest estimated sample size is often the safer bet than a best-case scenario. The calculated sample size should further be adjusted to allow for possible missing data. Due to the complexity of accurately calculating sample size, researchers should strongly consider consulting a statistician early in the study design process.

Rule 4: Write a data management plan

In 2020, 2 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) papers in leading medical journals were retracted after major concerns about the data were raised [ 42 ]. Today, raw data are more often recognized as a key outcome of research along with the paper. Therefore, it is important to develop a strategy for the life cycle of data, including suitable infrastructure for long-term storage.

The data life cycle is described in a data management plan: a document that describes what data will be collected and how the data will be organized, stored, handled, and protected during and after the end of the research project. Several funders require a data management plan in grant submissions, and publishers like PLOS encourage authors to do so as well. The Wellcome Trust provides guidance in the development of a data management plan, including real examples from neuroimaging, genomics, and social sciences [ 43 ]. However, projects do not always allocate funding and resources to the actual implementation of the data management plan.

The Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) data principles promote maximal use of data and enable machines to access and reuse data with minimal human intervention [ 44 ]. FAIR principles require the data to be retained, preserved, and shared preferably with an immutable unique identifier and a clear usage license. Appropriate metadata will help other researchers (or machines) to discover, process, and understand the data. However, requesting researchers to fully comply with the FAIR data principles in every detail is an ambitious goal.

Multidisciplinary data repositories that support FAIR are, for example, Dryad (datadryad.org https://datadryad.org/ ), EUDAT ( www.eudat.eu ), OSF (osf.io https://osf.io/ ), and Zenodo (zenodo.org https://zenodo.org/ ). A number of institutional and field-specific repositories may also be suitable. However, sometimes, authors may not be able to make their data publicly available for legal or ethical reasons. In such cases, a data user agreement can indicate the conditions required to access the data. Journals highlight what are acceptable and what are unacceptable data access restrictions and often require a data availability statement.

Organizing the study artifacts in a structured way greatly facilitates the reuse of data and code within and outside the lab, enhancing collaborations and maximizing the research investment. Support and courses for data management plans are sometimes available at universities. Another 10 simple rules paper for creating a good data management plan is dedicated to this topic [ 45 ].

Rule 5: Reduce bias

Bias is a distorted view in favor of or against a particular idea. In statistics, bias is a systematic deviation of a statistical estimate from the (true) quantity it estimates. Bias can invalidate our conclusions, and the more bias there is, the less valid they are. For example, in clinical studies, bias may mislead us into reaching a causal conclusion that the difference in the outcomes was due to the intervention or the exposure. This is a big concern, and, therefore, the risk of bias is assessed in clinical trials [ 46 ] as well as in observational studies [ 47 , 48 ].

There are many different forms of bias that can occur in a study, and they may overlap (e.g., allocation bias and confounding bias) [ 49 ]. Bias can occur at different stages, for example, immortal time bias in the design of the study, information bias in the execution of the study, and publication bias in the reporting of research. Understanding bias allows us researchers to remain vigilant of potential sources of bias when peer-reviewing and designing own studies. We summarized some common types of bias and some preventive steps in Table 1 , but many other forms of bias exist; for a comprehensive overview, see the Oxford University’s Catalogue of Bias [ 50 ].

Name	Explanation	Prevention
Allocation bias	Systematic difference in the assignment of participants to the treatment and control group in a clinical trial. For example, the investigator knows or can predict which intervention the next eligible patient is supposed to receive due to poorly concealed randomization.	- Randomization with allocation concealment
Attrition bias	Attrition occurs when participants leave during a study that aims to explore the effect of continuous exposure (dropouts or withdrawal). For example, more dropouts of patients randomized to an aggressive cancer treatment.	- Good investigator–patient communication - Accessibility of clinics - Incentives to continue
Confounding bias	An artificial association between an exposure and an outcome because another variable is related to both the exposure and outcome. For example, lung cancer risk in coffee drinkers is evaluated, ignoring smoking status (smoking is associated with both coffee drinking and cancer). A challenge is that many confounders are unknown and/or not measured.	- Randomization (can address unmeasured confounders) When randomization is not possible: - Restriction to one level of the confounder - Matching on the levels of the confounder - Stratification and analysis within strata - Propensity score matching
Immortal time bias	Survival beyond a certain time point is necessary in order to be exposed (participants are “immortal” in that time period). For example, discharged patients are analyzed but were included in the treatment group only if they filled a prescription for a drug 90 days after discharge from hospital.	- Group assignment at time zero - Time-dependent analysis may be used
Information bias	Bias that arises from systematic differences in the collection, recall, recording, or handling of information. For example, blood pressure in the treatment arm is measured in the morning and for the control arm in the evening.	- Standardized data collection - Data collection independent from exposure or outcome (e.g., by blinding of intervention status/exposure) - Use of objective measurements
Publication bias	Occurs when only studies with a positive or negative result are published. Affects meta-analyses from systematic reviews and harms evidence-based medicine	- Writing a study protocol and preregistration - Publishing study protocol or registered report - Following reporting guidelines

For a comprehensive collection, see catalogofbias.org .

Here are some noteworthy examples of study bias from the literature: An example of information bias was observed when in 1998 an alleged association between the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism was reported. Recall bias (a subtype of information bias) emerged when parents of autistic children recalled the onset of autism after an MMR vaccination more often than parents of similar children who were diagnosed prior to the media coverage of that controversial and meanwhile retracted study [ 51 ]. A study from 2001 showed better survival for academy award-winning actors, but this was due to immortal time bias that favors the treatment or exposure group [ 52 , 53 ]. A study systematically investigated self-reports about musculoskeletal symptoms and found the presence of information bias. The reason was that participants with little computer-time overestimated, and participants with a lot of computer-time spent underestimated their computer usage [ 54 ].

Information bias can be mitigated by using objective rather than subjective measurements. Standardized operating procedures (SOP) and electronic lab notebooks additionally help to follow well-designed protocols for data collection and handling [ 55 ]. Despite the failure to mitigate bias in studies, complete descriptions of data and methods can at least allow the assessment of risk of bias.

Research execution

Rule 6: avoid questionable research practices.

Questionable research practices (QRPs) can lead to exaggerated findings and false conclusions and thus lead to irreproducible research. Often, QRPs are used with no bad intentions. This becomes evident when methods sections explicitly describe such procedures, for example, to increase the number of samples until statistical significance is reached that supports the hypothesis. Therefore, it is important that researchers know about QRPs in order to recognize and avoid them.

Several questionable QRPs have been named [ 56 , 57 ]. Among them are low statistical power, pseudoreplication, repeated inspection of data, p -hacking [ 58 ], selective reporting, and hypothesizing after the results are known (HARKing).

The first 2 QRPs, low statistical power and pseudoreplication, can be prevented by proper planning and designing of studies, including sample size calculation and appropriate statistical methodology to avoid treating data as independent when in fact they are not. Statistical power is not equal to reproducibility, but statistical power is a precondition of reproducibility as the lack thereof can result in false negative as well as false positive findings (see Rule 3 ).

In fact, a lot of QRP can be avoided with a study protocol and statistical analysis plan. Preregistration, as described in Rule 2, is considered best practice for this purpose. However, many of these issues can additionally be rooted in institutional incentives and rewards. Both funding and promotion are often tied to the quantity rather than the quality of the research output. At universities, still only few or no rewards are given for writing and registering protocols, sharing data, publishing negative findings, and conducting replication studies. Thus, a wider “culture change” is needed.

Rule 7: Be cautious with interpretations of statistical significance

It would help if more researchers were familiar with correct interpretations and possible misinterpretations of statistical tests, p -values, confidence intervals, and statistical power [ 59 , 60 ]. A statistically significant p -value does not necessarily mean that there is a clinically or biologically relevant effect. Specifically, the traditional dichotomization into statistically significant ( p < 0.05) versus statistically nonsignificant ( p ≥ 0.05) results is seldom appropriate, can lead to cherry-picking of results and may eventually corrupt science [ 61 ]. We instead recommend reporting exact p -values and interpreting them in a graded way in terms of the compatibility of the null hypothesis with the data [ 62 , 63 ]. Moreover, a p -value around 0.05 (e.g., 0.047 or 0.055) provides only little information, as is best illustrated by the associated replication power: The probability that a hypothetical replication study of the same design will lead to a statistically significant result is only 50% [ 64 ] and is even lower in the presence of publication bias and regression to the mean (the phenomenon that effect estimates in replication studies are often smaller than the estimates in the original study) [ 65 ]. Claims of novel discoveries should therefore be based on a smaller p -value threshold (e.g., p < 0.005) [ 66 ], but this really depends on the discipline (genome-wide screenings or studies in particle physics often apply much lower thresholds).

Generally, there is often too much emphasis on p -values. A statistical index such as the p -value is just the final product of an analysis, the tip of the iceberg [ 67 ]. Statistical analyses often include many complex stages, from data processing, cleaning, transformation, addressing missing data, modeling, to statistical inference. Errors and pitfalls can creep in at any stage, and even a tiny error can have a big impact on the result [ 68 ]. Also, when many hypothesis tests are conducted (multiple testing), false positive rates may need to be controlled to protect against wrong conclusions, although adjustments for multiple testing are debated [ 69 – 71 ].

Thus, a p -value alone is not a measure of how credible a scientific finding is [ 72 ]. Instead, the quality of the research must be considered, including the study design, the quality of the measurement, and the validity of the assumptions that underlie the data analysis [ 60 , 73 ]. Frameworks exist that help to systematically and transparently assess the certainty in evidence; the most established and widely used one is Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE; www.gradeworkinggroup.org ) [ 74 ].

Training in basic statistics, statistical programming, and reproducible analyses and better involvement of data professionals in academia is necessary. University departments sometimes have statisticians that can support researchers. Importantly, statisticians need to be involved early in the process and on an equal footing and not just at the end of a project to perform the final data analysis.

Rule 8: Make your research open

In reality, science often lacks transparency. Open science makes the process of producing evidence and claims transparent and accessible to others [ 75 ]. Several universities and research funders have already implemented open science roadmaps to advocate free and public science as well as open access to scientific knowledge, with the aim of further developing the credibility of research. Open research allows more eyes to see it and critique it, a principle similar to the “Linus’s law” in software development, which says that if there are enough people to test a software, most bugs will be discovered.

As science often progresses incrementally, writing and sharing a study protocol and making data and methods readily available is crucial to facilitate knowledge building. The Open Science Framework (osf.io) is a free and open-source project management tool that supports researchers throughout the entire project life cycle. OSF enables preregistration of study protocols and sharing of documents, data, analysis code, supplementary materials, and preprints.

To facilitate reproducibility, a research paper can link to data and analysis code deposited on OSF. Computational notebooks are now readily available that unite data processing, data transformations, statistical analyses, figures and tables in a single document (e.g., R Markdown, Jupyter); see also the 10 simple rules for reproducible computational research [ 76 ]. Making both data and code open thus minimizes waste of funding resources and accelerates science.

Open science can also advance researchers’ careers, especially for early-career researchers. The increased visibility, retrievability, and citations of datasets can all help with career building [ 77 ]. Therefore, institutions should provide necessary training, and hiring committees and journals should align their core values with open science, to attract researchers who aim for transparent and credible research [ 78 ].

Research reporting

Rule 9: report all findings.

Publication bias occurs when the outcome of a study influences the decision whether to publish it. Researchers, reviewers, and publishers often find nonsignificant study results not interesting or worth publishing. As a consequence, outcomes and analyses are only selectively reported in the literature [ 79 ], also known as the file drawer effect [ 80 ].

The extent of publication bias in the literature is illustrated by the overwhelming frequency of statistically significant findings [ 81 ]. A study extracted p -values from MEDLINE and PubMed Central and showed that 96% of the records reported at least 1 statistically significant p -value [ 82 ], which seems implausible in the real world. Another study plotted the distribution of more than 1 million z -values from Medline, revealing a huge gap from −2 to 2 [ 83 ]. Positive studies (i.e., statistically significant, perceived as striking or showing a beneficial effect) were 4 times more likely to get published than negative studies [ 84 ].

Often a statistically nonsignificant result is interpreted as a “null” finding. But a nonsignificant finding does not necessarily mean a null effect; absence of evidence is not evidence of absence [ 85 ]. An individual study may be underpowered, resulting in a nonsignificant finding, but the cumulative evidence from multiple studies may indeed provide sufficient evidence in a meta-analysis. Another argument is that a confidence interval that contains the null value often also contains non-null values that may be of high practical importance. Only if all the values inside the interval are deemed unimportant from a practical perspective, then it may be fair to describe a result as a null finding [ 61 ]. We should thus never report “no difference” or “no association” just because a p -value is larger than 0.05 or, equivalently, because a confidence interval includes the “null” [ 61 ].

On the other hand, studies sometimes report statistically nonsignificant results with “spin” to claim that the experimental treatment is beneficial, often by focusing their conclusions on statistically significant differences on secondary outcomes despite a statistically nonsignificant difference for the primary outcome [ 86 , 87 ].

Findings that are not being published have a tremendous impact on the research ecosystem, distorting our knowledge of the scientific landscape by perpetuating misconceptions, and jeopardizing judgment of researchers and the public trust in science. In clinical research, publication bias can mislead care decisions and harm patients, for example, when treatments appear useful despite only minimal or even absent benefits reported in studies that were not published and thus are unknown to physicians [ 88 ]. Moreover, publication bias also directly affects the formulation and proliferation of scientific theories, which are taught to students and early-career researchers, thereby perpetuating biased research from the core. It has been shown in modeling studies that unless a sufficient proportion of negative studies are published, a false claim can become an accepted fact [ 89 ] and the false positive rates influence trustworthiness in a given field [ 90 ].

In sum, negative findings are undervalued. They need to be more consistently reported at the study level or be systematically investigated at the systematic review level. Researchers have their share of responsibilities, but there is clearly a lack of incentives from promotion and tenure committees, journals, and funders.

Rule 10: Follow reporting guidelines

Study reports need to faithfully describe the aim of the study and what was done, including potential deviations from the original protocol, as well as what was found. Yet, there is ample evidence of discrepancies between protocols and research reports, and of insufficient quality of reporting [ 79 , 91 – 95 ]. Reporting deficiencies threaten our ability to clearly communicate findings, replicate studies, make informed decisions, and build on existing evidence, wasting time and resources invested in the research [ 96 ].

Reporting guidelines aim to provide the minimum information needed on key design features and analysis decisions, ensuring that findings can be adequately used and studies replicated. In 2008, the Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of Health Research (EQUATOR) network was initiated to provide reporting guidelines for a variety of study designs along with guidelines for education and training on how to enhance quality and transparency of health research. Currently, there are 468 reporting guidelines listed in the network; see the most prominent guidelines in Table 2 . Furthermore, following the ICMJE recommendations, medical journals are increasingly endorsing reporting guidelines [ 97 ], in some cases making it mandatory to submit the appropriate reporting checklist along with the manuscript.

Guideline name	Study type
ARRIVE	Animal experiments
CONSORT	Randomized trials
STROBE	Observational studies
PRISMA	Systematic reviews
SPIRIT	Study protocols
STARD/TRIPOID	Diagnostic/prognostic studies

The EQUATOR Network is a library with more than 400 reporting guidelines in health research ( www.equator-network.org ).

The use of reporting guidelines and journal endorsement has led to a positive impact on the quality and transparency of research reporting, but improvement is still needed to maximize the value of research [ 98 , 99 ].

Conclusions

Originally, this paper targeted early-career researchers; however, throughout the development of the rules, it became clear that the present recommendations can serve all researchers irrespective of their seniority. We focused on practical guidelines for planning, conducting, and reporting of research. Others have aligned GRP with similar topics [ 100 , 101 ]. Even though we provide 10 simple rules, the word “simple” should not be taken lightly. Putting the rules into practice usually requires effort and time, especially at the beginning of a research project. However, time can also be redeemed, for example, when certain choices can be justified to reviewers by providing a study protocol or when data can be quickly reanalyzed by using computational notebooks and dynamic reports.

Researchers have field-specific research skills, but sometimes are not aware of best practices in other fields that can be useful. Universities should offer cross-disciplinary GRP courses across faculties to train the next generation of scientists. Such courses are an important building block to improve the reproducibility of science.

Acknowledgments

This article was written along the Good Research Practice (GRP) courses at the University of Zurich provided by the Center of Reproducible Science ( www.crs.uzh.ch ). All materials from the course are available at https://osf.io/t9rqm/ . We appreciated the discussion, development, and refinement of this article within the working group “training” of the SwissRN ( www.swissrn.org ). We are grateful to Philip Bourne for a lot of valuable comments on the earlier versions of the manuscript.

Funding Statement

S.S. received funding from SfwF (Stiftung für wissenschaftliche Forschung an der Universität Zürich; grant no. STWF-19-007). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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How to Start a Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Young researcher with notebook and laptop, colorful charts.

Starting a research project can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. But don't worry! This guide will walk you through each step, making the process easier and more manageable. By breaking down the project into smaller tasks, you'll find it much simpler to handle. Let's dive into how you can go from an idea to a well-organized research proposal.

Key Takeaways

Clearly define your research subject to set a strong foundation.
Engage stakeholders early to align expectations and gather input.
Craft a precise research statement to guide your study.
Establish specific research goals to stay focused.
Choose a suitable methodology to ensure reliable results.

Defining the Research Subject

Selecting a topic of interest.

The first step in starting your research project is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you. Selecting a topic that excites you will keep you motivated throughout the research process. Begin by brainstorming broad areas of interest and then narrow them down to a specific niche. Consider the practicalities, such as the availability of resources and the scope of your project. If you're struggling to find a topic, consult with your instructor or peers for guidance.

Narrowing Down the Focus

Once you have a general topic, it's essential to narrow it down to a more specific focus. This involves conducting an initial literature review to identify gaps, debates, and questions within your chosen field. By doing so, you can pinpoint a unique angle for your research. Remember, a well-defined focus will make your research more manageable and impactful.

Aligning with Assignment Instructions

It's crucial to ensure that your chosen topic aligns with the assignment instructions provided by your instructor. Review the guidelines carefully to understand the requirements and limitations. This alignment will not only help you meet academic expectations but also make your research more relevant and structured. If in doubt, seek clarification from your instructor to avoid any misunderstandings.

Engaging with Stakeholders

Identifying key stakeholders.

Before starting your research, it's crucial to identify the key stakeholders involved. These are the people who have a vested interest in your project. They can include supervisors, funding bodies, and even the target audience of your research. Understanding who your stakeholders are will help you align your research goals with their expectations.

Conducting Initial Meetings

Once you've identified your stakeholders, the next step is to conduct initial meetings . These meetings are essential for gathering input and setting expectations. During these meetings, discuss the scope of your research, the methodologies you plan to use, and any potential challenges. This is also a good time to ask for any resources or support you might need.

Gathering Input and Expectations

After the initial meetings, gather all the input and expectations from your stakeholders. This will help you refine your research plan and ensure that it meets everyone's needs. Create a summary document that outlines the key points discussed and any agreed-upon actions. This document will serve as a reference throughout your research project.

Crafting a Precise Research Statement

Formulating the main question.

Creating a strong research statement starts with formulating the main question . This question will guide your entire project. Make sure it is clear and specific. For example, if you're studying the impact of WhatsApp on communication, your main question could be, "How does WhatsApp influence daily communication habits?"

Ensuring Clarity and Conciseness

Your research statement should be both clear and concise. Avoid using complex words or jargon. Instead, focus on making your statement easy to understand. A clear and concise statement helps keep your research focused and on track.

Aligning with Research Goals

Finally, ensure that your research statement aligns with your overall research goals. This means that your statement should directly relate to what you aim to achieve with your study. For instance, if your goal is to understand user behavior on WhatsApp, your research statement should reflect this aim.

Establishing Research Goals

Setting clear research goals is a crucial step in any research project. These goals guide your study and help you stay focused on what you aim to achieve. Here’s how to establish effective research goals:

Identifying Key Areas of Exploration

Start by pinpointing the main areas you want to explore. These should be directly related to your research statement. Identifying these key areas will help you stay organized and ensure that your research is comprehensive.

Setting Specific Objectives

Once you have identified the key areas, the next step is to set specific objectives. These objectives should be clear, measurable, and achievable. Pinpointing the major focus of your research will help you stay on track and make your study more manageable.

Aligning Goals with Stakeholder Expectations

It's important to ensure that your research goals align with the expectations of your stakeholders. This alignment will help you gather the necessary support and resources for your project. Conducting initial meetings with stakeholders can provide valuable input and help you refine your goals.

Conducting a Comprehensive Literature Review

Gathering relevant sources.

Before diving into your research, it's crucial to gather all the relevant sources. Start by doing a preliminary search to see if there's enough information available. Use libraries, online databases, and academic journals to find books, articles, and papers related to your topic. This step ensures you have a solid foundation for your research .

Analyzing Existing Research

Once you have your sources, the next step is to analyze them. Skim through the materials to identify key points and different viewpoints. This will help you understand the current state of research in your field. Pay attention to how these sources relate to your research question.

Identifying Research Gaps

Finally, look for gaps in the existing research. These are areas that haven't been explored or questions that haven't been answered. Identifying these gaps can provide a direction for your own research and make your study more valuable. Conducting a comprehensive literature review is vital for putting your research in context and highlighting what your research will add to the field.

Choosing an Appropriate Methodology

Young researchers collaborating in a modern lab.

Deciding Between Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

When starting your research, you need to decide whether to use qualitative or quantitative methods . Qualitative methods involve first-hand observations like interviews, focus groups, and case studies. These methods are great for exploring complex issues in depth. On the other hand, quantitative methods deal with numbers and logic, focusing on statistics and numerical patterns. They are ideal for testing hypotheses and making generalizable conclusions. Sometimes, a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods, can be the best choice.

Selecting Data Collection Tools

Choosing the right tools for data collection is crucial. For qualitative research, you might use interviews, focus groups, or open-ended surveys. For quantitative research, tools like structured surveys, experiments, and statistical software are more appropriate. Make sure your tools align with your research questions and objectives.

Planning Data Analysis Techniques

Once you have collected your data, the next step is to analyze it. For qualitative data, look for patterns and themes. Coding and thematic analysis are common techniques. For quantitative data, use statistical methods to test your hypotheses. Software like SPSS or R can help you manage and analyze large datasets. Proper planning of your data analysis techniques ensures that your findings are reliable and valid.

Creating a Detailed Research Plan

Researcher planning project with books and charts

Creating a detailed research plan is essential for the success of your project. It helps you stay organized and ensures that you cover all necessary aspects of your research. Here are the key steps to follow:

Outlining the Methodology

Start by outlining the methodology you will use. This includes deciding on qualitative or quantitative methods, selecting tools for data collection, and determining how you will analyze the data. A clear methodology is essential for the credibility of your research.

Creating a Research Timeline

Next, create a timeline for your research activities. Break down your tasks into manageable steps and assign deadlines to each. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you complete your project on time. Use a table to organize your timeline:

Task	Deadline
Literature Review	Month 1
Data Collection	Month 2-3
Data Analysis	Month 4
Writing Draft	Month 5
Revisions	Month 6

Allocating Resources Effectively

Finally, allocate your resources effectively. This includes budgeting for any costs, such as software, travel, or materials, and ensuring you have access to necessary resources like libraries or labs. Proper resource allocation can make a significant difference in the quality and feasibility of your research.

Writing the Research Proposal

Structuring the proposal.

When structuring your research proposal, it's essential to include several key components. Start with a clear title that reflects the main focus of your study. Follow this with an abstract that provides a brief summary of your research objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. The introduction should set the context for your research, explaining the background and significance of your study. Make sure to include a literature review that highlights existing research and identifies gaps your study aims to fill. Finally, outline your research design, detailing the methods and procedures you will use to collect and analyze data.

Including a Literature Review

A comprehensive literature review is crucial for situating your research within the existing body of knowledge. Begin by gathering relevant sources from academic journals, books, and other credible publications. Summarize and synthesize these sources to show how they relate to your research question. Highlight any gaps or inconsistencies in the current literature that your study will address. This section not only demonstrates your understanding of the field but also justifies the need for your research.

Describing the Research Design

The research design section should provide a detailed plan of how you will conduct your study. Start by explaining whether you will use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. Describe the data collection tools you will use, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments. Outline your sampling methods and criteria for selecting participants or data sources. Finally, detail your data analysis techniques, explaining how you will interpret the results to answer your research question. This section should be thorough enough to convince reviewers that your methodology is sound and feasible.

Implementing the Research Project

Collecting data.

Once your research plan is in place, the next step is to start collecting data. This involves gathering the information you need to answer your research questions . Make sure to use the data collection tools you selected during your planning phase. Accurate data collection is crucial for the success of your project.

Analyzing Results

After collecting your data, the next step is to analyze it. This means looking for patterns, trends, and insights that will help you answer your research questions. Use the data analysis techniques you planned earlier. Remember, the goal is to make sense of the data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Adjusting the Plan as Needed

As you collect and analyze data, you might find that some parts of your plan need to be adjusted. This is normal and part of the research process. Be flexible and ready to make changes to your methodology or data collection methods if necessary. Staying adaptable will help you overcome any challenges that arise.

Presenting Your Findings

Organizing the presentation.

When presenting your research findings, it's crucial to structure your presentation logically. Start with an introduction that outlines the purpose of your research and the main questions you aimed to answer. Follow this with a summary of your methodology, highlighting the key methods used for data collection and analysis. Ensure your findings are presented clearly and concisely , using tables and graphs where appropriate to illustrate your points.

Engaging the Audience

To keep your audience engaged, use a mix of visual aids and verbal explanations. Interactive elements like Q&A sessions or live demonstrations can also be effective. Make sure to explain the significance of your findings and how they contribute to the existing body of knowledge. This not only keeps the audience interested but also underscores the importance of your work.

Handling Questions and Feedback

Be prepared to handle questions and feedback from your audience. This is an opportunity to clarify any doubts and to demonstrate your deep understanding of the subject. Listen carefully to the questions, and take your time to provide thoughtful and well-reasoned answers. This will not only help in addressing any concerns but also in reinforcing the credibility of your research.

Sharing your research results is a crucial step in your academic journey. It can be tough, but you don't have to do it alone. Our Thesis Action Plan is here to guide you through every step. Ready to make your thesis writing stress-free? Visit our website now and claim your special offer!

In summary, starting a research project can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear, manageable steps can make the process much more approachable. By carefully defining your research topic, engaging with stakeholders, crafting a precise research statement, and establishing clear goals and methodologies, you set a strong foundation for your project. Remember, a well-organized plan not only helps you manage your time and resources effectively but also enhances the credibility and impact of your research. As you embark on your research journey, keep these steps in mind to navigate the process smoothly and achieve your academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a research project.

A research project is a detailed study on a specific topic. It involves gathering information, analyzing data, and presenting findings to answer a particular question or solve a problem.

How do I choose a good research topic?

Pick a topic that interests you and has plenty of resources available. Make sure it aligns with your assignment guidelines and is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Why is it important to define the research subject?

Defining the research subject helps you stay focused and organized. It ensures that you have a clear direction and don't get lost in too many ideas.

Who are stakeholders in a research project?

Stakeholders are people who have an interest in your research. They can include funders, academic supervisors, or anyone affected by your study.

What is a research statement?

A research statement is a clear and concise description of the main question or problem your research aims to address.

What are research goals?

Research goals are the specific objectives you aim to achieve with your study. They guide your research and help you stay focused on your main question.

How do I choose the right methodology for my research?

Choosing the right methodology involves deciding how you will collect and analyze data. Consider whether you need qualitative or quantitative data and choose tools and techniques that best suit your study.

What should be included in a research proposal?

A research proposal should include the research subject, a literature review, research questions, methodology, and a timeline. It outlines what you plan to study and how you will do it.

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Methodology

Research Methods | Definitions, Types, Examples

Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design . When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make.

First, decide how you will collect data . Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question :

Qualitative vs. quantitative : Will your data take the form of words or numbers?
Primary vs. secondary : Will you collect original data yourself, or will you use data that has already been collected by someone else?
Descriptive vs. experimental : Will you take measurements of something as it is, or will you perform an experiment?

Second, decide how you will analyze the data .

For quantitative data, you can use statistical analysis methods to test relationships between variables.
For qualitative data, you can use methods such as thematic analysis to interpret patterns and meanings in the data.

Methods for collecting data, examples of data collection methods, methods for analyzing data, examples of data analysis methods, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research methods.

Data is the information that you collect for the purposes of answering your research question . The type of data you need depends on the aims of your research.

Qualitative vs. quantitative data

Your choice of qualitative or quantitative data collection depends on the type of knowledge you want to develop.

For questions about ideas, experiences and meanings, or to study something that can’t be described numerically, collect qualitative data .

If you want to develop a more mechanistic understanding of a topic, or your research involves hypothesis testing , collect quantitative data .


Qualitative		to broader populations. .
Quantitative		.

You can also take a mixed methods approach , where you use both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Primary vs. secondary research

Primary research is any original data that you collect yourself for the purposes of answering your research question (e.g. through surveys , observations and experiments ). Secondary research is data that has already been collected by other researchers (e.g. in a government census or previous scientific studies).

If you are exploring a novel research question, you’ll probably need to collect primary data . But if you want to synthesize existing knowledge, analyze historical trends, or identify patterns on a large scale, secondary data might be a better choice.


Primary	.	methods.
Secondary

Descriptive vs. experimental data

In descriptive research , you collect data about your study subject without intervening. The validity of your research will depend on your sampling method .

In experimental research , you systematically intervene in a process and measure the outcome. The validity of your research will depend on your experimental design .

To conduct an experiment, you need to be able to vary your independent variable , precisely measure your dependent variable, and control for confounding variables . If it’s practically and ethically possible, this method is the best choice for answering questions about cause and effect.


Descriptive		. .
Experimental

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Research methods for collecting data
Research method	Primary or secondary?	Qualitative or quantitative?	When to use
	Primary	Quantitative	To test cause-and-effect relationships.
	Primary	Quantitative	To understand general characteristics of a population.
Interview/focus group	Primary	Qualitative	To gain more in-depth understanding of a topic.
Observation	Primary	Either	To understand how something occurs in its natural setting.
	Secondary	Either	To situate your research in an existing body of work, or to evaluate trends within a research topic.
	Either	Either	To gain an in-depth understanding of a specific group or context, or when you don’t have the resources for a large study.

Your data analysis methods will depend on the type of data you collect and how you prepare it for analysis.

Data can often be analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, survey responses could be analyzed qualitatively by studying the meanings of responses or quantitatively by studying the frequencies of responses.

Qualitative analysis methods

Qualitative analysis is used to understand words, ideas, and experiences. You can use it to interpret data that was collected:

From open-ended surveys and interviews , literature reviews , case studies , ethnographies , and other sources that use text rather than numbers.
Using non-probability sampling methods .

Qualitative analysis tends to be quite flexible and relies on the researcher’s judgement, so you have to reflect carefully on your choices and assumptions and be careful to avoid research bias .

Quantitative analysis methods

Quantitative analysis uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and correlations (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationships (in experiments).

You can use quantitative analysis to interpret data that was collected either:

During an experiment .
Using probability sampling methods .

Because the data is collected and analyzed in a statistically valid way, the results of quantitative analysis can be easily standardized and shared among researchers.

Research methods for analyzing data
Research method	Qualitative or quantitative?	When to use
	Quantitative	To analyze data collected in a statistically valid manner (e.g. from experiments, surveys, and observations).
Meta-analysis	Quantitative	To statistically analyze the results of a large collection of studies. Can only be applied to studies that collected data in a statistically valid manner.
	Qualitative	To analyze data collected from interviews, , or textual sources. To understand general themes in the data and how they are communicated.
	Either	To analyze large volumes of textual or visual data collected from surveys, literature reviews, or other sources. Can be quantitative (i.e. frequencies of words) or qualitative (i.e. meanings of words).

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If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Chi square test of independence
Statistical power
Descriptive statistics
Degrees of freedom
Pearson correlation
Null hypothesis
Double-blind study
Case-control study
Research ethics
Data collection
Hypothesis testing
Structured interviews

Research bias

Hawthorne effect
Unconscious bias
Recall bias
Halo effect
Self-serving bias
Information bias

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

In mixed methods research , you use both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods to answer your research question .

A sample is a subset of individuals from a larger population . Sampling means selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research. For example, if you are researching the opinions of students in your university, you could survey a sample of 100 students.

In statistics, sampling allows you to test a hypothesis about the characteristics of a population.

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts and meanings, use qualitative methods .
If you want to analyze a large amount of readily-available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how it is generated, collect primary data.
If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

Methodology refers to the overarching strategy and rationale of your research project . It involves studying the methods used in your field and the theories or principles behind them, in order to develop an approach that matches your objectives.

Methods are the specific tools and procedures you use to collect and analyze data (for example, experiments, surveys , and statistical tests ).

In shorter scientific papers, where the aim is to report the findings of a specific study, you might simply describe what you did in a methods section .

In a longer or more complex research project, such as a thesis or dissertation , you will probably include a methodology section , where you explain your approach to answering the research questions and cite relevant sources to support your choice of methods.

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Jaundice and the Breastfed Infant

What is jaundice.

Jaundice is a condition that causes your baby’s skin to turn yellow in the first few days after birth. You may also notice that the sclera (white parts) of the baby’s eyes are yellow.

The yellow color of the skin and sclera in newborns with jaundice comes from a build up of bilirubin. Small to medium increases in bilirubin are normal in newborns and will not hurt your baby.

Very high levels of bilirubin can cause hearing loss, seizures and brain damage.

Signs that bilirubin may be at a harmful level

Yellow coloring of the skin, starting on the face and moving down the body
Poor feeding
Increased sleepiness

If your baby has jaundice, it is important that bilirubin levels are monitored closely. If your baby does not drink enough milk, this can lead to increased bilirubin. You should see a lactation consultant to get help with breastfeeding.

Two key factors

How much milk you are making?
How much milk can your baby take from the breast?

Tips to help prevent jaundice in your baby

Initiate breastfeeding as soon after birth as possible — preferably within one hour.
Early, frequent, unrestricted breastfeeding helps to eliminate bilirubin from baby's body. Bilirubin exits the body in the infant's stools, and because your milk has a laxative effect, breastfeeding frequently will result in lots of soiled diapers and thus, lower bilirubin levels. Your newborn should breastfeed a minimum of eight times per day.
Be sure that your baby is latched on well and is sucking efficiently. Seek assistance from a lactation consultant if there are any concerns your baby is not latching well.

What to do if your baby becomes jaundiced

Provide frequent, unrestricted breastfeeding.
Jaundice sometimes makes babies sleepy, so they breastfeed less enthusiastically. Waking your baby every two to three hours to feed is recommended.
If your breasts still feel full after breastfeeding, pump or express your breasts. In addition, pumping after breastfeeding will help stimulate your milk production.
Your baby’s healthcare provider may recommend supplementing your baby with bottles of expressed milk or formula in conjunction with breastfeeding.
Some babies require phototherapy. Phototherapy (light treatment) is the process of using light to eliminate bilirubin in the blood. If your baby requires phototherapy, it is important to maximize the amount of time spent under the lights while still breastfeeding frequently.
Seek the advice of a lactation consultant to assist you.

Contact the Breastfeeding and Lactation Program

IMAGES

Five Steps to Finding Research Studies
Five Basic Types of Research Studies
Components of Research Process
Research
6 Preliminary Steps In Making A Statistical Study
4.2 The Academic Research Process

COMMENTS

Finding a Clinical Trial
Studies are conducted by most of the institutes and centers across the NIH. The Clinical Center hosts a wide range of studies from rare diseases to chronic health conditions, as well as studies for healthy volunteers. Visitors can search by diagnosis, sign, symptom or other key words. Join a National Registry of Research Volunteers
Clinical Trials Information
You can donate your medical data and health samples >. See how donating your existing medical records and health samples can save lives. Explains clinical trials, including what they are, why they are important, things to think about when deciding to take part, and questions to ask your doctor.
NIH Clinical Center: Search the Studies
The Clinical Center provides hope through pioneering clinical research to improve human health. We rapidly translate scientific observations and laboratory discoveries into new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease. More than 500,000 people from around the world have participated in clinical research since the hospital opened in 1953.
How to find and access peer-reviewed studies (for free)
Sometimes though, it is useful to use a more focused database, and that is where PubMed comes in. As its name suggests, PubMed is a repository for medical papers. It gets its papers both directly from journals and from author submissions. These submissions are checked to ensure that they are scientific papers.
In brief: What types of studies are there?
There are various types of scientific studies such as experiments and comparative analyses, observational studies, surveys, or interviews. The choice of study type will mainly depend on the research question being asked. When making decisions, patients and doctors need reliable answers to a number of questions.
Basics About Clinical Trials
It is important to test drugs and medical products in the people they are meant to help. It is also important to conduct research in a variety of people, because different people may respond ...
The Basics
The goal of clinical research is to develop knowledge that improves human health or increases understanding of human biology. People who take part in clinical research make it possible for this to occur. The path to finding out if a new drug is safe or effective is to test it on patients in clinical trials.
Research 101: Understanding Research Studies
The basis of a scientific research study follows a common pattern: Define the question. Gather information and resources. Form hypotheses. Perform an experiment and collect data. Analyze the data ...
ResearchMatch
ResearchMatch helps you find a clinical trial or research study near you, or across the country, by matching you with researchers from leading medical research institutions. Whether you are a healthy volunteer or have a health condition, ResearchMatch connects you to research opportunities so you can make a difference and advance scientific discoveries by participating in research studies ...
Explaining How Research Works
Researchers often must choose one or a finite number of ways to investigate a question. It can take many different studies using different approaches to start piecing the whole picture together. Sometimes it might seem like research results contradict each other. But often, studies are just looking at different aspects of the same problem.
How to Find Sources
Research databases. You can search for scholarly sources online using databases and search engines like Google Scholar. These provide a range of search functions that can help you to find the most relevant sources. If you are searching for a specific article or book, include the title or the author's name. Alternatively, if you're just ...
Qualitative Research Resources: Finding Qualitative Studies
Often, that means that it is hard to find qualitative studies in common health science databases like PubMed; On this page you'll find: articles that describe and evaluate search strategies for finding qualitative research; articles that provide search strategies for specific databases; web resources on search filters and finding qualitative ...
Search
Find the research you need | With 160+ million publications, 1+ million questions, and 25+ million researchers, this is where everyone can access science. Discover the world's scientific knowledge
A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process
This article takes you through the first steps of the research process, helping you narrow down your ideas and build up a strong foundation for your research project. Table of contents. Step 1: Choose your topic. Step 2: Identify a problem. Step 3: Formulate research questions. Step 4: Create a research design. Step 5: Write a research proposal.
Research: Where to Begin
Research: Where to Begin. Research isn't something that only scientists and professors do. Any time you use sources to investigate claims or reach new conclusions, you are performing research. Research happens in virtually all fields, so it's vitally important to know how to conduct research and navigate through source material regardless of ...
How to Find Research Studies
These studies involve completing a survey, questionnaire, phone, or in-person interview. Registries—research studies that collect patient data and observe how a person's health changes over time—may ask participants to provide access to their medical records, lab test results or other health information, and permission to contact them for ...
Research Findings
Qualitative Findings. Qualitative research is an exploratory research method used to understand the complexities of human behavior and experiences. Qualitative findings are non-numerical and descriptive data that describe the meaning and interpretation of the data collected. Examples of qualitative findings include quotes from participants ...
How do I identify a research study?
A research study must: Ask a research question. Identify a research population or group. Describe a research method. Test or measure something. Summarize the results. Research studies are almost always published in peer-reviewed (scholarly) journals. The articles often contain headings similar to these: Literature Review, Method, Results ...
Basic Steps in the Research Process
Step 1: Identify and develop your topic. Selecting a topic can be the most challenging part of a research assignment. Since this is the very first step in writing a paper, it is vital that it be done correctly. Here are some tips for selecting a topic: Select a topic within the parameters set by the assignment.
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A research design is a strategy for answering your research question using empirical data. Creating a research design means making decisions about: Your overall research objectives and approach. Whether you'll rely on primary research or secondary research. Your sampling methods or criteria for selecting subjects. Your data collection methods.
publications
3. I think that your first statement urgently calls for references. As for determining sources of funding, AFAIK, research papers typically include acknowledgement of funding sources and even specific grant references. Many authors also include conflict of interests statements. - Aleksandr Blekh.
Ten simple rules for good research practice
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How to Start a Research Project: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Research goals are the specific objectives you aim to achieve with your study. They guide your research and help you stay focused on your main question. ... It outlines what you plan to study and how you will do it. Share. Previous Article. एक शोध परियोजना कैसे शुरू करें: शुरुआती ...
Research Methods
Research methods are specific procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Developing your research methods is an integral part of your research design. When planning your methods, there are two key decisions you will make. First, decide how you will collect data. Your methods depend on what type of data you need to answer your research question:
Jaundice and the Breastfed Infant
Find a research study. Use this finder to learn more about the purpose of these studies and clinical trials, find out who can participate, and tell us you're interested in enrolling. Search now. Close Menu Patients & Families. Resources for families; Caring for your child;
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