questionable study

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "questionable study" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a research study that has doubts about its validity, reliability, or ethical standards. Example: "The findings of the questionable study raised concerns among experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A Questionable Study Dr. Henschke cannot convince herself that there is much more to ask.

The New York Times

That this standard survived the twentieth century intact may have something to do with one influential, if questionable, study.

The New Yorker

Facing potential restrictions on a major ingredient in some of their best-known brands, pharmaceutical companies staunchly defended the safety of their products yesterday and accused the Food and Drug Administration of placing an unwarranted amount of faith in what they called a questionable study.

The New York Times

D15 ARTS & IDEAS B9-20 ScompaniesALTH Drug Makers Assail facing possibleutical companies, facing possible restrictions on phenylpropanolamine, a major ingredient in popular over-the-counter products, said that their products were safe and that the F.D.A. had unwarranted faith in a questionable study.

The New York Times

[Page C3.] Drug Makers Defend Product Safety Facing potential restrictions on a major ingredient in some of their best-known brands, pharmaceutical companies defended the safety of their products and accused the Food and Drug Administration of placing an unwarranted amount of faith in what they called a questionable study.

The New York Times

What I do know is that Big Labor's think tank Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is publishing one questionable "study" after another to sabotage immigration reform.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At this point, NIH must stop funding scientifically questionable studies or it will risk harming the American government's credibility to be stewards over important scientific issues.

Huffington Post

The decision of the United States Congress to pass the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 was based on poorly attended hearings and reports based on questionable studies.

Wikipedia

Easy: Liken modern pornography to heroin, throw in a few lurid anecdotes and questionable studies, and argue that good parenting just isn't enough to thwart the masturbatory menace.

Huffington Post

Fieler, president of the hedge fund Equinox Partners and the Kuroto Fund, has spent more than $4.6 million on state and federal political campaigns and super PACs since 2010, and millions more on anti-gay marriage groups and organizations that produce questionable studies of same-sex relationships.

Huffington Post

These questionable studies highlight the importance of appropriate controls to aid in interpretation of the data.

Annals of Hematology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing a study, be specific about the aspects that make it "questionable". Is it the methodology, sample size, data interpretation, or potential bias? Providing concrete details strengthens your critique.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a study as "questionable" without providing evidence or reasoning. Back up your assessment with specific criticisms of the study's design, methodology, or conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "questionable study" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying the noun "study". It qualifies the nature of the study, indicating that its validity or reliability is in doubt. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable and correct in English. The provided examples showcase its common use in both news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "questionable study" serves as a critical descriptor for research perceived as potentially flawed or unreliable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This phrase is frequently employed in both scientific and news contexts to express doubt about research findings. To strengthen your critique, offer specific reasons for your assessment rather than relying on the phrase without evidence. Consider using alternatives like "unreliable study" or "dubious study" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreliable study

Focuses specifically on the lack of reliability of the study.

dubious study

Emphasizes a sense of doubt or suspicion surrounding the study.

flawed study

Highlights the presence of errors or shortcomings in the study's design or execution.

tenuous study

Suggests the study is weak or poorly supported.

contentious study

Implicates that the study and its findings are subject to disagreement and dispute.

controversial study

Signifies that the study has generated public debate or disagreement.

invalid study

Highlights the lack of legal or factual integrity of the study.

speculative study

Indicates that the study is based on guesswork or conjecture rather than concrete evidence.

shaky study

Suggests the study is unsubstantiated and precarious.

uncertain study

Underscores the lack of definiteness or clarity in the study's outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "questionable study" in a sentence?

You can use "questionable study" to describe a research study whose validity or reliability is doubtful. For example: "The conclusions drawn from this "questionable study" are not supported by sufficient evidence."

What are some synonyms for "questionable study"?

Alternatives include "unreliable study", "dubious study", or "flawed study". The best choice depends on the specific reason for doubting the study.

What makes a study "questionable"?

A study can be considered "questionable" due to various factors such as methodological flaws, small sample sizes, biased data collection, or lack of transparency in the research process.

Is it appropriate to describe a study as "questionable" in academic writing?

Yes, it is appropriate as long as you provide a clear and justified explanation for your assessment. Avoid using the term without backing it up with specific critiques of the study's methods or findings.