San Jose State University



Interpreting Research ?OutlineIntroStudy DesignObservational/EpidemiologicalExperimentalEvaluation of a studyReading and interpreting a studyNutrition: A very young science!Scientific method is the process of gaining knowledge about the universe through the observation of measurable evidenceProblems:Media New & conflicting studies reported dailyOften not put into perspectiveRely on evidence-based recommendationsResearch types providing valid informationEpidemiological research (Observational research)Study large populations to find relationships between two variablesRetrospective techniquesCompare those with a disease to a similar group (cohort) without the diseaseProspective techniquesIndividuals without disease are studied for years and then conclusions are made to identify why some developed disease and others did notEpidemiological researchHelps scientists identify important relationships between diet and health1950s research – Dietary fatDoes not determine cause and effect relationshipLight posts and heart attacksExperimental researchEssential to establishing a cause and effect relationshipTREATMENTTighter controlShorter time-frameIndependent variable – cause (Diet)Dependent variable – effect (Heart disease)Often utilizing; Randomized selection and assignmentTreatment and control groupsPlaceboSingle/double blindExperimental researchPopulationsRandom sub-group of a populationSize mattersPeople v. animalsHealthy v. sickExercising v. not exercisingGold Standard?Elements of great methodologyMethodological considerations for studies:Logical rationaleAppropriate subjectsValid performance testsPlacebo controlRandom assignment of subjectsCrossover Double-blind protocolControl of extraneous factorsAppropriate data analysis (statistics)***Statistical vs. Clinical significance (real world application)***p valuePeer-reviewed Questions to ask about a study?ADA Position PaperWas the research done by a credible institution and by qualified researchers?Is this a preliminary study? Was the research population large enough? Was the study long enough in duration?Who paid for the study? Might that affect the findings? Is the science valid despite the funding source?Was the report reviewed by peers?How the research fits into the broader understanding of scientific evidence and consumer lifestyle?Reading a StudyAbstract = summaryIntroduction = Gives background: Why?States purposeMethods = how study was conductedWho - subjectsWhere - lab, clinic, fieldWhat/How - TxData analysisResults = what was foundStatistical significance, p value (p < 0.05)Clinical significance/real world applicationConclusion = what the results indicateDiscussion = insight, application, strengths & weaknesses, propose future researchReferencesConcept MapPeer-reviewIndependent variableDependent variableConfounding variableExperimentalParticipants/subjectsCauseClinical significance/real world applicationProspectiveRetrospectiveEpidemiologicalSingle blindDouble blindScientific methodRelationship/associationCauseRandom assignmentPlaceboGold standardStatistical significanceWhy so much contradictory advice?Media exaggeration or oversimplificationNeglect to mention limitationsQuality of the studyLimited number of subjectsIn vitroAnimalFailing to control for extraneous variablesFunding sourcesFindings put in proper context***Who the findings can be applied to ................
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