Why Study Design Matters as Much as the Result

Research findings make more sense when viewed alongside the method used to produce them.

A randomised controlled trial may help researchers investigate whether an intervention caused a particular outcome. An observational study can reveal important patterns, but those patterns do not automatically establish cause and effect.

Sample size, participant selection, follow-up time and the choice of primary outcome can all influence how confidently a result should be interpreted.

Good research reporting therefore describes both the result and the structure behind it.