Visualizing Citation Networks for Respiratory Viral Infections
Author Information
Author(s): Nicholas G. Reich, Trish M. Perl, Derek A. T. Cummings, Justin Lessler
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
The study aims to visualize the citation history of scientific facts regarding the incubation periods of respiratory viral infections.
Conclusion
The study found that much of the conventional wisdom about the incubation periods of respiratory viral infections is based on limited empirical evidence.
Supporting Evidence
- 50% of all incubation period statements did not provide a source for their estimate.
- 65% of original sources for incubation period data were not incorporated into subsequent publications.
- The study emphasizes the need for standardized methods to visualize medical evidence.
Takeaway
This study shows how scientists can track where medical facts come from and how they change over time, helping us understand which facts are really true.
Methodology
A systematic literature review was performed to identify statements of incubation period and sources of original incubation period data for nine respiratory viral infections.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on a small number of sources for incubation period data.
Limitations
The study highlights that many incubation period statements lack empirical support and that citation patterns may be influenced by social factors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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