Research difficulties

Levels of evidence (Dr. Sackett) 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3124652/

I = Meta analyses or RCT with clear cut results
II = Small RCT with unclear results
III = Cohort or case control study
IV = Historical cohort of case-control studies
V = Case series studies with no controls

Practice recommendations

A = Strong recommendation

Level I evidence or consistent findings

B = Recommendation
Level II, III or IV but consistent

C = Opinion
Evidence but inconsistent

D = Opinion
Level V evidence or no systematic empirical evidence

Research on covid-19 is suffering “imperfect incentives at every stage” (28th May)
https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m2045

Cite bate

Scientists and journalists

Journalists are reporting on more preprint studies that have not been peer reviewed and vary in quality

What we are seeing is worrying signs of a compromise in quality

There is an urgent need for data and knowledge, but false information is worse than no information

2181 publications

304 (14%) primary research papers,

218 (72%) of primary papers observational

82 (27%) of which peer reviewed

Therefore 3.7% of all publications peer reviewed primary research

Greater transparency needed

Видео Research difficulties канала Dr. John Campbell