[Errors in methodology (conclusion). XXXIX. The ultimate truth].
Studies that have methodological shortcomings may still lead to the right conclusion. Sometimes, the bias is small, or the shortcoming is not relevant for the issue being studied. It is also possible that a perfectly designed and executed study does not yield the 'right' answer. For example, chance circumstances might lead to the incomparability of groups. Bayes' theorem clarifies why different experts may come to opposite conclusions based on the same studies. The ultimate truth remains elusive.
Rosendaal
F R
FR
Leids Universitair Medisch Centrum, afd. Klinische Epidemiologie, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden. f.r.rosendaal@lumc.nl
Bouter
L M
LM
D001499:Bayes Theorem; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D011336:Probability; D012306:Risk; D013223:Statistics as Topic / Q000592:standards*