Modern research trials are expensive to conduct. CROs, sponsors, clinicians, and everyone involved in clinical trials require a lot of resources to conduct swift, seamless, and result-oriented trials. Therefore, replication is a fundamental concept in modern research trials.
To ensure the credibility of any scientific claim or research results, it is essential to replicate the study using new data and see whether the study’s procedure and previous findings recur. Let’s take a further look at replication in modern research trials.
Purpose of Replication in Modern Research Trials
As mentioned, the credibility of modern research depends upon its replication with similar or closely matched conditions. Findings from replications and subsequent studies provide validity and reliability to the original research. In addition, it also helps clinicians to use their previous studies for larger applications and future research.
Types of Replications Studies
Replication studies can be generally categorized into the following:
- Exact or Direct Replications: Direct replications mean conducting the same level of experiments or procedures to the very precise degree possible. It includes using the same research methodologies, materials, tools, technology, design, and statistical analysis.
- Conceptual Replications: Conceptual replications occur when clinicians and researchers aim to repeat the original study, albeit with different methods. The data remains similar to the original study; only the methods change.
Reputation
As mentioned, replication aims to validate previous studies and research findings. By conducting robust replication studies, clinicians can ensure their original studies and research are accurate and can be applied in more general applications.
From the perspective of scientific research, its growth, and sustainability, replication studies hold great importance because it gives researchers an idea of how to build on the findings of their original work.
However, research journals are hesitant to include such studies because they don’t carry the same weight as original work. That said, it is unwise to discount the importance of replication in modern research trials.
You need modern tools and technology, such as EDC systems and customized patient registries, to help collect, store, sort, and analyze data that can be used in study replications.
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