Abstract
In the first article in the series I explained the importance of study design and gave an overview of the main types of design. Here, I describe the ways in which the results of a study may deviate from the truth and the measures that can be taken to help minimise this when designing a study.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Recommended readings
Altman DG, Bland JM . Treatment allocation in controlled trials: why randomise. Br Med J 1999; 318:1209.
Grimes DA, Schulz KF . Bias and causal associations in observational research. Lancet 2002; 359:248–252.
Mamdani M, Sykora K, Li P, et al. Reader's guide to critical appraisal of cohort studies. 2. Assessing potential for confounding. Br Med J 2005; 330:960–962.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Levin, K. Study design II. Issues of chance, bias, confounding and contamination. Evid Based Dent 6, 102–103 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400356
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400356