Library and Information Science Research

[Ronald K Pye]

Opportunity to participate in a research project:

For many years there has been criticism of the information content of the titles of scientific journal articles.

While the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors suggests that concise titles are easier to read than long, convoluted ones; that titles that are too short may, however, lack important information, such as study design (which is particularly important in identifying randomized, controlled trials); their only recommendation is that authors should include all information in the title that will make electronic retrieval of the article both sensitive and specific.

I am conducting a study of the information content of titles of original reports of randomized controlled trials (RTCs) to determine which RTC facets are included, how frequently various RTC facets are included in the titles, and if structured abstracts influence the information content of titles.

I am seeking the collaboration of interested individuals to contribute to this study. 

Collaborators will be required to cut and paste data from batches of 100 titles and abstracts retrieved from PubMed into an online database form. It is anticipated that each database entry will take approximately three minutes to enter, and that 100 entries can be made in approximately 5 hours. 

If you are willing to participate in this research project and to contribute a minimum of 100 entries please contact me at [e-mail]

Updates:

Thank you for your interest in collaborating in a study of the information content of titles of articles reporting results of RTCs.

For more information on the background and methods of the study please go to:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18aPMCVNJk6DoOcyA8VKNH8ngmB9RqcZ...

If you wish to practice analysing titles and entering data into the database form you will need to open two windows:

1. Practice Batch of Titles and Abstracts of RTCS:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cT69hX8l2-KXU4VmsftQ2SF1W4oq5I-...

2. Database entry form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHZzTDRwcWJxNW...

If you wish to register to collaborate in the study  go to: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHc4ZFNHWGpqeH...

If you have further questions please contact me.

Thanks,

Ronald K Pye, M.D.

[Ronald K Pye]

Please see the update above.

[Subrata Banik]

I want to participate. Kindly let me know the details

[Ronald K Pye]

Please see the update above.