scholarly journals Yes, Your Methods Section is Boring, But Critically Important

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. i-vi
Author(s):  
Timothy F. Slater

When judging how important and influential a published article is in a refereed journal, the most important thing one might pay attention to is the evidence-based conclusion and the implications of that conclusion (Slater, 2019). At the same time, another way to judge an article’s influence is by looking at how frequently the article is cited, using a tool such as scholar.google.com: The caveat to high citation numbers being a great measure of importance and value is that sometimes a published paper is highly cited simply because its conclusions are incorrect and many authors are capitalizing on the opportunity to correct its mistaken message (Slater, 2018a). A third important component to a great paper is how well the research is situated in the existing literature landscape - the compulsory literature review. The best papers clearly specify the research question’s space by stating what is known, what is not known, and why the paper in question fills an important gap in the scholarly community’s understanding (Slater, 2018a). What is missing in the most common list of criteria for greatness - conclusions, citations, and situation in the existing literature - is an acknowledgement of the critical importance of the methods section.

Author(s):  
Debi A. LaPlante ◽  
Heather M. Gray ◽  
Pat M. Williams ◽  
Sarah E. Nelson

Abstract. Aims: To discuss and review the latest research related to gambling expansion. Method: We completed a literature review and empirical comparison of peer reviewed findings related to gambling expansion and subsequent gambling-related changes among the population. Results: Although gambling expansion is associated with changes in gambling and gambling-related problems, empirical studies suggest that these effects are mixed and the available literature is limited. For example, the peer review literature suggests that most post-expansion gambling outcomes (i. e., 22 of 34 possible expansion outcomes; 64.7 %) indicate no observable change or a decrease in gambling outcomes, and a minority (i. e., 12 of 34 possible expansion outcomes; 35.3 %) indicate an increase in gambling outcomes. Conclusions: Empirical data related to gambling expansion suggests that its effects are more complex than frequently considered; however, evidence-based intervention might help prepare jurisdictions to deal with potential consequences. Jurisdictions can develop and evaluate responsible gambling programs to try to mitigate the impacts of expanded gambling.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srijesa Khasnabish ◽  
Zoe Burns ◽  
Madeline Couch ◽  
Mary Mullin ◽  
Randall Newmark ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Data visualization experts have identified core principles to follow when creating visual displays of data that facilitate comprehension. Such principles can be applied to creating effective reports for clinicians that display compliance with quality improvement protocols. A basic tenet of implementation science is continuous monitoring and feedback. Applying best practices for data visualization to reports for clinicians can catalyze implementation and sustainment of new protocols. OBJECTIVE To apply best practices for data visualization to create reports that clinicians find clear and useful. METHODS First, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify best practices for data visualization. We applied these findings and feedback collected via a questionnaire to improve the Fall TIPS Monthly Report (FTMR), which shows compliance with an evidence-based fall prevention program, Fall TIPS (Tailoring Interventions for Patient Safety). This questionnaire was based on the requirements for effective data display suggested by expert Stephen Few. We then evaluated usability of the FTMR using a 15-item Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES). Items were rated on a 5-point Likert scale from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). RESULTS The results of the systematic literature review emphasized that the ideal data display maximizes the information communicated while minimizing the cognitive efforts involved with data interpretation. Factors to consider include selecting the correct type of display (e.g. line vs bar graph) and creating simplistic reports. The qualitative and quantitative evaluations of the original and final FTMR revealed improved perceptions of the visual display of the reports and their usability. Themes that emerged from the staff interviews emphasized the value of simplified reports, meaningful data, and usefulness to clinicians. The mean (SD) rating on the Health-ITUES scale when evaluating the original FTMR was 3.86 (0.19) and increased to 4.29 (0.11) when evaluating the revised FTMR (Mann Whitney U Test, z=-12.25, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Best practices identified through a systematic review can be applied to create effective reports for clinician use. The lessons learned from evaluating FTMR perceptions and measuring usability can be applied to creating effective reports for clinician use in the context of other implementation science projects.


Author(s):  
Nirit Putievsky Pilosof ◽  
Yasha Jacob Grobman

Objective The study examines the integration of the Evidence-based Design (EBD) approach in healthcare architecture education in the context of an academic design studio. Background Previous research addressed the gap between scientific research and architectural practice and the lack of research on the use of the EBD approach in architectural education. Methods The research examines an undergraduate architectural studio to design a Maggie’s Centre for cancer care in Israel and evaluates the impact of the EBD approach on the design process and design outcomes. The research investigates the impact of the integration of three predesign tasks: (1) literature review of healing architecture research, (2) analysis and comparison of existing Maggie’s Centres, and (3) analysis of the context of the design project. Results The literature review of scientific research supported the conceptual design and development of the projects. The analysis of existing Maggie’s centers, which demonstrated the interpretation of the evidence by different architects, developed the students’ ability to evaluate EBD in practice critically, and the study of the projects’ local context led the students to define the relevance of the evidence to support their vision for the project. Conclusions The research demonstrates the advantages of practicing EBD at an early stage in healthcare architectural education to enhance awareness of the impact of architectural design on the users’ health and well-being and the potential to support creativity and innovative design. More studies in design studios are needed to assess the full impact of integrating EBD in architectural education.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theofilos Karasavvidis ◽  
Michael T. Hirschmann ◽  
Nanne P. Kort ◽  
Ioannis Terzidis ◽  
Trifon Totlis

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1887
Author(s):  
Marek Więckowski

As there are very marked relationships between tourism and transport, integrated knowledge of these processes is essential if destinations and tourism enterprises are to be developed, an effective tourism policy pursued, and emerging local and global issues and conflicts surrounding tourism resolved. Beyond this, in an era of huge change reflecting the consequences of the COVID-19 viral pandemic, the importance of sustainable transport in tourism’s sustainable development appears to be of critical importance. Adopting this kind of perspective, this paper seeks to achieve a critical overview of conceptual dimensions of sustainability that link up with tourism and transport. To this end, ideas based on the literature and previous discussions are extended to include certain new propositions arising out of a (hopefully) post-COVID-19 world. Proceeding first with a systematic literature review (SLR), this article discusses the importance of transport to the development of tourism, dealing critically with modes of transport and their changing roles in sustainable development under COVID and post-COVID circumstances. The author summarises likely new way(s) of thinking in the aftermath of the pandemic, with the need for this/these to be far more sustainable and responsible, and characterised by a reorientation of behaviour in a “green” direction. It is further concluded that three aspects of transport–tourism relations will prove crucial to more sustainable utilisation—i.e., proximity, slower and less energy-intensive travel, and green transport.


2001 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 114-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven H. Sheingold

Decision making in health care has become increasingly reliant on information technology, evidence-based processes, and performance measurement. It is therefore a time at which it is of critical importance to make data and analyses more relevant to decision makers. Those who support Bayesian approaches contend that their analyses provide more relevant information for decision making than do classical or “frequentist” methods, and that a paradigm shift to the former is long overdue. While formal Bayesian analyses may eventually play an important role in decision making, there are several obstacles to overcome if these methods are to gain acceptance in an environment dominated by frequentist approaches. Supporters of Bayesian statistics must find more accommodating approaches to making their case, especially in finding ways to make these methods more transparent and accessible. Moreover, they must better understand the decision-making environment they hope to influence. This paper discusses these issues and provides some suggestions for overcoming some of these barriers to greater acceptance.


2002 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam K. Young

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