Exploratory and confirmatory studies have different targets and both are needed in clinical research

Conclusions drawn from medical studies are usually based on statistical analyses of collected quantitative data and the typical conclusion drawn from the statistical analysis is whether the hypothesis in question can be accepted or rejected and by what probability. This means that the study must have a hypothesis, or some hypotheses, but it is important that there are not too many in relation to the sample size. Indeed, most clinical journals currently only accept studies if the authors have clearly stated the hypothesis they want to evaluate. In addition, most journals demand a power analysis, at least in the case of intervention studies, mainly to make sure that the sample size of the study is sufficient to also prove the negative result.
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Source: Acta Paediatrica - December 22, 2017 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Matti Korppi, Kirsi Nuolivirta Tags: A Different View Source Type: research