Commentary on Unique Contributions of Different Types of Evidence to Research Conclusions
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Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., DrPH, the first Sir Richard Doll Research Professor of Medicine in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, has published a commentary for clinicians in this week’s issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). In the commentary titled “Statistical Association and Causation: Contributions of Different Types of Evidence,” Hennekens describes the unique contributions, as well as strengths and limitations, of different types of evidence to research conclusions. According to Science Watch, Hennekens was the 3rd most widely cited medical researcher in the world from 1995-2005, and five of the top 20 were his former trainees and/or fellows.
Hennekens explains how each type of evidence contributes to a different piece of the puzzle and cautions against over interpretation of studies not designed in advance to test a particular research question. He further explains which type of evidence can be used to conclude whether there is a valid statistical association, as well as how to rely on the totality of evidence to judge causality. Hennekens also emphasizes that when the totality of evidence is sufficient, health care providers can make the most rational decisions for individual patients, and policy makers can make the most rational decisions for the health of the general public.
– FAU –
About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. In commemoration of its origin, FAU is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2011. Today, the University serves more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses and sites. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit http://www.fau.edu.
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Source: Florida Atlantic University
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