title: Invited commentary: topical threats to epidemiology.
abstract: Epidemiologic studies are subject to social and cultural influences, which can influence the way samples are identified or included and information is collected. In this commentary, the author highlights issues related to several factors that may influence current research methods, such as changes in telephone use and new ethical guidelines. Technologic developments that have the potential to provide new opportunities for sample selection and data collection are also outlined. Epidemiologists need to be flexible and responsive to changes that may influence their research methods and should use their training and judgment to assess the likely impact of any potential biases or influences, so that study quality is maintained.
authors.affiliation: Primary Care Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Institute for Primary Care and Health Sciences Research, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. k.m.dunn@cphc.keele.ac.uk
authors.forename: Kate M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D014481:United States