Research insights
Clear guides to doing research well.
Practical articles on systematic reviews, meta-analysis, statistics and publishing — written by methodologists, free to read.
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What is a Systematic Review? A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
A systematic review is a rigorous, reproducible method of identifying, appraising, and synthesizing all relevant studies on a specific research question. Learn how PRISMA 2020 guidelines structure the entire process from protocol registration to final reporting.
Read the guideWhat the Evidence Says About India's Emergency-Response Gap — and How Systematic Review Shaped Kavach
Before building a road-safety product, the discipline is to ask what the published evidence actually shows about post-crash survival, response times, and the "golden hour." Here is how a systematic-review lens — the same one we train researchers in — shaped Kavach, our incubated emergency-response initiative.
Meta-Analysis Explained: Forest Plots, Funnel Plots & Heterogeneity
Meta-analysis quantitatively combines results from multiple studies to produce an overall estimate of effect. Understand forest plots, funnel plots for publication bias, I-squared for heterogeneity, and when to use fixed vs. random effects models.
How to Publish in a Q1 Journal: A Practical Roadmap for Indian Researchers
Publishing in Q1 SCI/Scopus journals requires strategic journal selection, rigorous methodology, and polished scientific writing. This guide covers journal identification, manuscript preparation, cover letters, and responding to peer review.
GRADE Assessment: Rating the Certainty of Evidence in Systematic Reviews
The GRADE framework (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) is the gold standard for rating evidence certainty. Learn how to apply GRADE domains: risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and publication bias.
Risk of Bias Assessment Using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I: A Complete Tutorial
Assessing risk of bias is a critical step in any systematic review. RoB 2.0 evaluates randomized trials across five domains, while ROBINS-I assesses non-randomized studies. Learn domain-by-domain assessment with practical examples.
SPSS vs R vs STATA: Which Statistical Software Should Researchers Choose?
Choosing the right statistical software depends on your research needs, budget, and learning curve. This comparison covers SPSS for beginners, R for advanced analysis and reproducibility, and STATA for epidemiological research.
PRISMA 2020 Checklist: What Changed and How to Comply
The updated PRISMA 2020 statement expanded the checklist from 27 to 27 items with significant modifications. Key changes include abstract structure, search strategy reporting, automation tools disclosure, and certainty assessment requirements.
Why Faculty Development Programs Are Essential for Research-Driven Institutions
Research productivity directly correlates with structured faculty development. Institutions that invest in FDPs see measurable improvements in publication output, grant acquisition, and evidence-based curriculum development.
Digital Data Collection in Health Research: ODK, KoboToolbox & REDCap Compared
Moving from paper-based to digital data collection improves accuracy, reduces costs, and enables real-time monitoring. Compare ODK for field surveys, KoboToolbox for humanitarian research, and REDCap for clinical studies.
Sample Size Calculation Made Simple: Formulas, Software & Common Mistakes
An inadequate sample size is the most common reason for underpowered studies. Learn the key formulas for cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies, plus free tools like G*Power and OpenEpi for calculation.
How to Identify and Avoid Predatory Journals: A Checklist for Researchers
Predatory journals exploit researchers through deceptive practices. Learn to identify red flags: fake impact factors, aggressive email solicitation, absent peer review, and how to verify journals using Beall's List, DOAJ, and Scopus.
How to Register Your Systematic Review Protocol on PROSPERO
PROSPERO registration reduces duplication, promotes transparency, and is increasingly required by journals. This step-by-step guide covers eligibility, the 22-field registration form, and tips for faster approval.
The Growing Burden of NCDs in India: Research Priorities and Evidence Gaps
Non-communicable diseases account for over 65% of deaths in India. Hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders require urgent evidence synthesis to inform national health policy and resource allocation.
10 Common Thesis Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
From unfocused research questions to poor statistical choices, these common mistakes delay graduation and weaken research quality. Learn practical strategies to structure your thesis for success from day one.
Implementation Research in India: Bridging the Evidence-to-Practice Gap
India's health system faces a persistent gap between evidence and practice. Implementation research addresses "how" evidence-based interventions work in real-world settings, identifying barriers and facilitators for scale-up.
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