Observational research, randomised trials, and two views of medical science

PLoS Med. 2008 Mar 11;5(3):e67. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050067.

Abstract

Two views exist of medical science, says the author, one emphasizing discovery and explanation, the other emphasizing evaluation of interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / methods*
  • Biomedical Research / standards
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Factor V / genetics
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic* / standards
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Venous Thromboembolism / genetics

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • factor V Leiden
  • Factor V