By name: research-methodology description: Guidelines for evaluating research paper methodology, study design, and statistical analysis
Research Methodology
Overview
This skill provides domain knowledge for evaluating the methodology section of academic research papers. It covers common study designs, statistical methods, and criteria for assessing methodological rigor.
How to Use This Skill
When analyzing a research paper's methodology:
- Identify the study design (RCT, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, etc.)
- Evaluate the sample size and selection criteria
- Assess the statistical methods used
- Check for potential biases (selection, measurement, confounding)
- Evaluate the validity of conclusions given the methodology
Key Criteria
- Internal validity: Was the study designed to minimize bias?
- External validity: Are the results generalizable?
- Statistical power: Was the sample size adequate?
- Reproducibility: Could the study be replicated from the description?