From the list of all authors, we selected those that co-authored three or more trials plus a random sample of authors that were listed on two publications.
For the external validity of these sentiment reports, i.e., the applicability of the results to target audiences, it is important to well analyze data of the context of user-generated content and their sample of authors.
Krueger (1974), Bhagwati and Srinivasan (1980), Sandholtz and Koetzle (2000), Wei (2000a), Gerring and Thacker (2005), and Neeman et al. (2008) are a sample of authors presenting evidence that supports the notion that countries that are more open to trade and investment are also less corrupt.
The median number of citations for our sample of authors is correlated with the number of papers they have published (r = 0.266, n = 168, P<0.001 – using log-transformed values).
We emailed twice a 10% sample of authors for further information.
This second, exploratory, study aims to collect primary research data from a sample of authors and journal editors regarding factors that influence the use of TREND.
We did not receive any replies to our emails to a 10% sample of authors for further information about processes for assessing capacity and obtaining consent.
Pilot testing with a small convenience sample of authors and journal editors working within the IHSR and Peninsula Technology Assessment Group (PenTAG), University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter (UK), will take place.
A purposive sample of authors and journal editors will be recruited into study 2. The sample of the authors will comprise of the nominated corresponding author of papers that have used TREND and those that have not indicated use of TREND.
Since we were unable to obtain further information from the selected sample of authors, it is not possible to establish the extent to which our findings reflect deficiencies in study conduct or reporting or both.
