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Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine ›› 2012, Vol. 10 ›› Issue (5): 504-507.doi: 10.3736/jcim20120504

• Methodology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The balance principle in scientific research

Liang-ping Hu(), Xiao-lei Bao, Qi Wang#br#   

  1. Consulting Center of Biomedical Statistics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
  • Received:2012-03-22 Accepted:2012-03-25 Online:2012-05-20 Published:2018-06-15
  • Contact: Hu Liang-ping E-mail:lphu812@sina.com

The principles of balance, randomization, control and repetition, which are closely related, constitute the four principles of scientific research. The balance principle is the kernel of the four principles which runs through the other three. However, in scientific research, the balance principle is always overlooked. If the balance principle is not well performed, the research conclusion is easy to be denied, which may lead to the failure of the whole research. Therefore, it is essential to have a good command of the balance principle in scientific research. This article stresses the definition and function of the balance principle, the strategies and detailed measures to improve balance in scientific research, and the analysis of the common mistakes involving the use of the balance principle in scientific research.

Key words: statistics, medical, research design, balance principle

"

Group n VEGF positive index VEGF mRNA Apoptotic index
The 6th week The 12th week The 6th week The 12th week The 6th week The 12th week
Control 10 1.50±0.55 1.29±0.39 1.05±0.27 0.98±0.07 0.23±0.04 0.23±0.06
Dexamethasone 10 0.79±0.20 0.72±0.16 0.49±0.17 0.35±0.23 0.62±0.07 0.62±0.10
Chinese herbal medicine 10 1.09±0.26 1.05±0.28 0.85±0.62 0.79±0.47 0.33±0.02 0.33±0.03

"

Using dexameth- Using the VEGF positive index VEGF mRNA Apoptotic index
asoneor not Chinese herbal
medicine or not The 6th week The 12th week The 6th week The 12th week The 6th week The 12th week
No No 1.50±0.55 1.29±0.39 1.05±0.27 0.98±0.07 0.23±0.04 0.23±0.06
Yes
Yes No 0.79±0.20 0.72±0.16 0.49±0.17 0.35±0.23 0.62±0.07 0.62±0.10
Yes 1.09±0.26 1.05±0.28 0.85±0.62 0.79±0.47 0.33±0.02 0.33±0.03
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