General Info

Question 1

Title

Answer 1

• Is the title appropriate for the study?
• Title should not give the result
• Title should state what was studied or note the main issue

Question 2

Introduction

Answer 2

• Not more than 1.5 typed pages (double spaced)
• Should justify the current study and put it into the context of previous literature
• Should reference other major papers that have previously addressed the topic being researched
• Last sentence should be nearly identical to the purpose statement in the abstract.
• Should not include an extensive review of the literature.
• Present a logical case for why the study was undertaken.
• At the end, state hypothesis and purpose (should be same as in abstract)
• Should state whether prospective/retrospective

Question 3

Materials and Methods

Answer 3

• Organized with headers in a logical sequence
• Last section should be statistical analysis
• 5 (double spaced) pages at most (likely less for Pediatric Radiology)
• Equipment/pharmaceuticals used should be stated in appropriate detail
• Should include number of radiologists and others who performed each portion of the study and their years of experience
• Include IRB and Informed consent statement/waiver (first paragraph) -
• Should state the age range and mean for both men/women in study
• Should include details on region-of-interest (ROI) and other measurements (who performed, in generic terms)
• Watch for exact correspondence b/w methods and results - every result should be accounted for in methods section.
  *

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

• Should follow directly from methods section, in logical sequence
• Tables used as appropriate, but main points should be included in text of results section
• Figures should be cited here.

Question 5

Discussion

Answer 5

• Don’t completely restate results
• Hit on major points in the context of the previous literature
• Should explain significance of the current study
• Should include a limitations section just before the conclusion paragraph (no study is perfect)
• Should cite most recent and relevent references; (include ‘dissenting’ papers)
• Include a conclusion paragraph
• Watch for overreaching conclusions
• Don’t use words like “obviously” or “importantly”
• Don’t use words like “robust” or “novel”

Question 6

References:

Answer 6

• Should follow exact format for the appropriate journal
• Sloppy references or incorrect format reflects poorly on the manuscript
• Residents/Fellos/Junior Authors mess this up!
• Use correct journal name abbreviations
• Don’t use too few or too many references (what’s just right?)
• Shouldn’t be outdated
• Don’t omit important references (reviewers perform online searches before reviewing to ensure they are up to date)

Question 7

Figures:

Answer 7

• Image quality should be high (TIFF not JPEG)
• should reflect main points being made in the text
• Try not to show exeptions rather than most representative cases
• Don’t show no images or too many.
• Annotate figures with arrows/arrowheads
• Take out PHI
• Try to include generic patient information if possible (age/sex/clinical information)
• Follow journal format ie (“CT scan shows mass at head of pancreas (arrow)” - no “the”, “a”…people often don’t get this!

Question 8

Tables

Answer 8

• Avoid excessive use of tables
• use appropriate font size for axes
• avoid confusing terminology
• define abbreviations
• summarize key point(s) being made in legends
• Use standardized formats

Question 9

What is the most important test good research should pass?

Answer 9

the “who cares” test

Question 10

Research should:

Answer 10

• Advance Knowledge
• Have implications for patient care.

Question 11

Discussion 2:

Answer 11

• Should be focused
• Give findings in context of existing knowledge
• Don’t just give an extensive review of the topic
• Show how results/conclusions relate to other relevant studies.
• Discuss limitations of the study and future work to be performed.
• Are conclusions clearly linked to purpose of the study?