The strength of science as a tool for generating knowledge is based on the meticulous application of the scientific method. Obtaining a reliable answer to a research question depends entirely on using the correct methodology during all stages of the experimental phase. This includes experimental design, selection of humans or animals, measurement of parameters and statistical analysis. Only a proper choice and execution of these methodologies will allow reliable results to be obtained which, in turn, can be replicated, an essential condition for the advancement and consolidation of new knowledge.
In Clínica e Investigación en Arteriosclerosis we wanted to highlight the importance of methodology in research by incorporating a section that serves as a forum for researchers to make methodological considerations. The "Guidelines for Authors" describe this section as follows:
"Descriptions of new methods, modifications or considerations of existing methods applied to epidemiological, clinical or experimental research related to cardiovascular risk, atherosclerosis or vascular biology will be included. The maximum length of the text will be 5 pages, 2 figures/tables and 10 bibliographical references".
This is a deliberately flexible drafting to allow for considerations or innovations related to any methodological aspect used in research: experimental designs, analytical or statistical methods, suitability of questionnaires, interpretation of guidelines, suitability of animal or cellular models or image analysis, to cite some examples. These considerations may point out possible limitations, propose improvements, clarify aspects of their use or the interpretation of the data generated, or any other aspect that will allow us to advance towards better scientific practice.
To facilitate the exchange of opinions on the notes published in this section, it will be possible to make comments in the digital version of the journal, which can be answered by the authors or other scientists. We are convinced that this will make this new section even more useful to researchers as a whole.
We encourage you to submit methodological articles to this new section in the certainty that they will be a useful tool for researchers and that they will contribute to improving the quality and impact of Clínica e Investigación en Arteriosclerosis.