Readers as research detectives abstract + free full text

Abstract | Readers as research detectives

"Commentary - Readers as research detectives

Peter C Gøtzsche

Trials 2009, 10:2doi:10.1186/1745-6215-10-2
Published: 7 January 2009
Abstract (provisional)

Flaws in research papers are common but it may require arduous detective work to unravel them. Checklists are helpful, but many inconsistencies will only be revealed through repeated cross-checks of every little detail, just like in a crime case. As a major deterrent for dishonesty, raw data from all trials should be posted on a public website. This would also make it much easier to detect errors and flaws in publications, and it would allow many research projects to be performed without collecting new data. The prevailing culture of secrecy and ownership to data is not in the best interests of the patients."