Reading Between the Lines: How to Spot True and False Evidence in Research Papers

Presented by Zoltan Kekecs, PhD

Friday, February 27, 2026

9am-10:30am PT/ 11am-12:30pm CT/ 12pm-1:30pm ET

Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.

Staying abreast of clinical research is pivotal for evidence-based practice, yet discerning reliable evidence remains a challenge. Biases and methodological limitations often obscure truth. We will start by exploring the different sources of bias that can generate false evidence, including noise, errors and mistakes, participant- and experimenter biases, analytical issues, all the way to deliberate fraud. By understanding the underlying “forces” generating these issues, it will be easier to recognize them. This presentation also aims to showcase tools for identifying good scientific evidence, mainly focusing on clinical research. Through established best-practice guidelines (such as CONSORT and TIDieR) and standardized tools (such as the Risk of Bias tool 2.0) we explore markers of rigorous methodology as well as red flags for bias detection. Furthermore, the presentation will also demonstrate how to use open science resources like open data, preprints and trial registrations to verify research claims. We will also touch on the importance of replication, and cooperative or adversarial collaboration when discerning research credibility. Attendees will acquire knowledge that will assist them in understanding how good and bad evidence is generated, in using tools to identify issues affecting the credibility of research findings, and ultimately in making informed decisions.

Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration.