How to read a paper book

Question 1

What should be the first things done when looking at a study?

Answer 1

Find what the research question is

Assess the research design

See if the research design appropriately addresses the question

Question 2

What is a crossover design?

Answer 2

One where subjects receive both intervention and treatment at different times, usually separated by a washout period

Question 3

What is a parallel group study?

Answer 3

One where 2 groups each receive a different intervention, then results between groups are compared

Question 4

What is a matched comparison?

Answer 4

One where treatments are compared between those taking it and matched controls

Question 5

What is a factorial study design?

Answer 5

One where the effects of different variables are studied separately (e.g. in a 2x2 design looking at placebo, each separately, and both together)