Can I Trust This Study? (From the Humane Research Council)

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While their work is geared toward animals, this article isn't just limited to that...

Evaluating & Interpreting Research
The Humane Research Council provides the HumaneSpot.org database to animal advocates for several purposes. Studies on animal well-being and behavior and human-animal interactions can be used to document campaign talking points. Marketing and psychology studies can help advocates understand how to best reach their audiences. We also include industry research, which advocates may wish to critique. But how can a person with no particular training understand and evaluate complex research projects?

Scientific Method
First, let's briefly review the underlying process of research, scientific method. Generally speaking, the process goes something like this:

Something is observed
A hypothesis is developed to explain what is observed
An experiment is designed to test the hypothesis
Results are predicted, according to the hypothesis
The experiment is performed
The researchers report on the experiment and results
The report is evaluated by others working in the field
More researchers experiment to see whether the results can be replicated
Additional predictions and experiments refine the hypothesis


The Sections of a Research Article
An article about a study will usually include some variation on the following sections:
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How Can I Tell Whether This Research is Credible?
Here are some things to look for:
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HumaneSpot, the site of the Humane Research Council, article here.

Thought it might prove useful , or not