How to Design Your Scientific Study

The aim of the course is to illustrate the different types of scientific studies that are most common in the biomedical field, so that the researcher is aware of the advantages and disadvantages associated with the different types of studies. The salient features of the various study designs will be illustrated (observational, experimental and systematic reviews; longitudinal and cross-sectional; assessment of efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, prognosis). The elements to be taken into consideration when designing a scientific study according to the chosen design will be provided: the scientific question, the choice of endpoint, the choice of patients, the statistical methodology to be followed. The main biases whose presence could affect the quality of the research and possible solutions to reduce their impact will be illustrated. Examples taken from the literature will be shown and there will be exercises in which the students will try to draw up study protocols to answer various questions.