Research designs and ethics

Question 1

On what 2 measurement does research focus?

Answer 1

• Of a brain pathology (e.g. as a consequence of brain injurt, aging, intoxication, etc)
• Of an intervention (e.g. neuropsychological, psychological, pharmacological, surgical, psychosocial, etc)

Question 2

What is the ‘Will-Rogers-Phenomenon’ or ‘Stage Migration’?

Answer 2

The Will Rogers phenomenon is obtained when moving an element (e.g. subjects) from one set to another set raises the average values of both sets. It is based on the following quote, attributed (perhaps incorrectly) to comedian Will Rogers:

“When the Okies left Oklahoma and moved to California, they raised the average intelligence level in both states”

Question 3

Wat is meant by comparing new treatments with ‘historical control-groups’? And what is the consequence of this comparison?

Answer 3

‘Historic’ means that control group is not assessed at the same time (often several years ago).

Consequence:

• improper regrouping of cases not by purpose
• improper regrouping of cases just happen if new assessment procedures for diagnosing a condition are more effective

Question 4

Of what (2) aspects should you be aware when reading a study?

Answer 4

• Which parameters are assessed

- Which time period is used

Question 5

What is a probable consequence of assessment procedures improving with time (e.g. spatial resolution)?

Answer 5

New treatments will often appear more effective than the treatment of historical control groups (example brain tumor stages, former T1 now T2)

Furthermore: new assessment approaches might also identify brain tumors which would not have been discovered in the past because they were too small (and by this very well to treat)

Problem: higher percentages of cure and treatment success might appear -> even if new treatment became less effective

Question 6

What are advantages of disclosing a dementia diagnosis to a patient? (4)

Answer 6

• Disclosure respects the patient’s autonomy
• Makes it possible for the patient to be a more active participant in their treatment
• If early in the dementing process, disclosure ensures that the patient can be an informed participant in treatment decisions
• Timely knowledge of the diagnosis may help the patient make lifestyle changes and put their personal affairs in order prior to becoming incapable to do so