February, 2003
© 2000, 2001, 2003 Scott S. Emerson, M.D., Ph.D.
Often competing goals
must be considered
Scientific (basic
science):
·focus on
questions about mechanisms
Ethical:
·focus on
minimizing harm to human volunteers
Clinical:
·focus on
improving overall health of patients
Statistical:
·focus on
questions that can be answered precisely