Research Methods & Study Design

A study in which participants are randomly assigned to receive different interventions — such as a new treatment, standard care, or a placebo — to determine effectiveness and safety while minimizing bias.

Research that collects and analyzes numerical data to identify patterns, test hypotheses, and measure relationships — emphasizing objectivity, statistical analysis, and generalizability.

A systematic evaluation of the quality, validity, and rigor of research evidence, used to judge whether findings are trustworthy and applicable to clinical decisions or guideline development.

A research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods to systematically study people’s viewpoints on a topic. Participants rank statements by agreement, and the results are analyzed statistically to identify shared perspectives.

Research that explores experiences, meanings, and perspectives in depth — producing rich, descriptive data about how and why things happen, analyzed for themes rather than statistics.

The science of measuring psychological constructs — such as cognitive ability, personality, or attitudes — through the design and validation of questionnaires, tests, and rating scales used in research and clinical settings.

A detailed, pre-specified plan describing the rationale, objectives, and methods of a study or systematic review — ensuring consistency, transparency, and reproducibility throughout the process.

Those directly involved in conducting healthcare research.

Guidelines (PRISMA) that set standards for clearly and transparently reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, helping readers assess the quality and completeness of the evidence.

Medicinal products used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease. Developed through scientific research, regulated for safety and quality, and delivered in forms such as tablets, injections, or creams.