A primer for beginning sports injury study researchers.

In this paper, I offer a set of important dimensions against which research projects can be analyzed. If one can image that each dimension has a range of from 0 to 100 percent, the objective in doing good research is to make our work in each dimension a 100 percent proposition. To ensure this, it would seem wise for the researcher to have checklists like those that pilots use before take off and landing. Before "take off," the researcher would make sure that the hypothesis is valid and well-stated; that the research project is well designed; that all approvals are obtained; and that the operational aspects have been planned and all preparations are in place. During the research project, the researcher will take care that the proper processes have been established and are executed and monitored; and that staff with the proper training and attitudes are doing their jobs. At the end of the study, when it comes to "land" the project, the researcher will make sure that the results are analyzed properly and that they are presented in a meaningful way. If all these steps are taken then arrival at the "destination"--a successful study--will be far more likely. There are resources available to assist the researcher in each dimension. Database systems assist in collecting data; statistical packages assist in analysing data; clinical trial modeling programs assist in designing a clinical trial. Any of the tools requires a skilled craftsperson to use them properly, but the skills can be learned. However, nothing yet exists to assist the researcher in having good ideas and formulating clear hypotheses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)