A skeptical mind is always aware that scientific
research is progressive, and that new findings are constantly emerging and can
be used to change the way things are. The ability to interpret and evaluate
research in context is critical in the process and understanding the results.
All studies depend on their own context. This is a crucial point and the reason why the public can be confused by contradicting studies and in some extreme cases distrust or reject science altogether. For example, 2 studies that apparently contradict each other can both be valid, under different circumstances.
Research plays an important role in advancing
any profession or any decision-making process. This process should be developed
following scientific laws, principles, and concepts derived from
scientific research. These principles, theories and concepts are all
subject to change as new research emerges, scientific papers are constantly
published.
New research can and should produce changes in
one’s approach to a problem, so it is important to keep and open eye and open
mind and be free of any dogmatic and fundamentalist thinking. Keeping
up to date allows us to stay on the cutting edge of knowledge and advance
any practice, professional or otherwise. Ultimately, research increases our
understanding of a giving subject.
Introduction
The first section of any scientific manuscript
is the introduction in which the authors develop the hypothesis tested
by their research design. With this purpose in mind, a concise and short review
of the scientific literature is outlined as a basis for the development of
their specific hypothesis.
This introduction sets up the study’s context
and relevance. Potential criticisms addressing the problem, hypothesis, or methods
should be outlined as well.
Methods
This section is greatly important to understand
how a giving hypothesis was tested and the design conducted, and possibly
provides valuable information for other scientists to replicate the study, or
make improvements. The methods section should explain the approach to the
problem, and research design to test the hypothesis presented in the
introduction.
Detailed and specific information is presented
on the type of subjects, specific types of equipment used, explanations for the
procedures, and how they gathered data and then applied statistical analysis to
test their hypothesis.
Independent variables for the study design and
the dependent variables measured are also explained in detail, as well as their
rationale selection. All procedures must be explained in great detail so others
can replicate the study.
This section usually ends with comments on the
statistical procedures used to analyze the data generated. Finally statistical
significance is defined (P ≤ 0.05.)
Results
The results section can be the most important if
the design and methods are strong. Findings are often presented in terms of
p-values and/or confidence intervals, along with means and standard deviations
of effect sizes (it depends on the field and specific question of inquiry).
However since subjects may not respond equally, individual data for individual
responses of subjects, if possible, should be also presented.
Discussion
Here the authors outline the paper’s importance.
They interpret the results, and relate it to the scientific literature,
giving it context and meaning. In other words, the study's findings must be put
in context of the literature as a whole, so as to avoid cherry-picking. Strengths
and weakness of study design should be expressed, and suggestions for
future research. New questions may arise from the study needing further
research.
If you see that a
scientific article does not follow these simple guidelines then it is likely to
be a bogus or flawed article.
A well-substantiated report is
as vital to science as is a well-designed study (1). A sound,
well-discussed report might be as necessary as a proper research design, if not
more important. A high-quality original study needs a good deal of interpretation
and discussion.
The report must not
be poorly written and sentences in the introduction and discussion must be
backed by references. Stating a scientific claim without substantiating it
using proper references renders the statement unreliable.
Unsubstantiated
scientific allegations might blur the distinct lines between scientific facts /
theories and unproven ideas / theorems.
Context and practical applications
Ultimately, the purpose is to extract
relevant information to improve a decision-making process, methods and or
techniques, with the cutting edge data available.
We must realize that results from a study relate
to the context, specific situation or conditions studied. Putting research
into proper context is crucial in the process of translating it into
practical applications.
So, here is where it is important to understand
the context of the study which is related to the independent and dependent
variables.
A closer look at Independent and dependent
variables
Independent variables are factors controlled or selected to be held
constant. Independent variables can be manipulated to see whether they alter
the dependent variables’ response and if possible to understand its influence.
A “confounding variable” is a variable
that is not controlled but has an independent effect. This lack of control can
obfuscate the interpretation of the results. Ideally, the independent variables
(sex, age, training status, temperature, nutrition intakes…) of the study
should match the situation and population as closely as possible, this way such
results can be applied to a specific situation or group of people.
A dependent variable, or “a response
variable,” is measured in response to the set of independent variables in the
study design. These variables can not be controlled, however they act as the
outcome variable for the study.
The validity and reliability of a
variable is also important. A measure only has validity if it measures
what it is supposed to measure. Reliability on the other hand, relates
to how consistent a measurement is, the consistency in repeating
measurements. The variance should be no greater than about 5% between
the two values for the measurement to be accurate. Heart rate, core
temperature, oxygen consumption, are a few examples of dependent variables.
Independent variables can be endless, therefore
all studies depend on their own context, as noted before. This is one crucial
point and the reason why the public can be confused by contradicting studies
and in some extreme cases distrust or reject science altogether. For example, 2
studies that apparently contradict each other can both be valid, under different
circumstances.
Would you like to know more? Subscribe.
Summary of 50 articles with 49.167 words and 1321 references on
Exercise and nutrition
