What is a research study?

All of the studies listed on this site are research studies. A research study is a scientific way of learning more about nature, humans, and disease. Many research studies are looking to partner with participants to learn more about specific topics. It is always 100% up to you to decide if you want to participate in a research study.   

Medical care is what you normally receive at your doctor’s office or from another caregiver to treat a health condition. Medical care is different from research. You can still receive medical care from a physician if you do not participate in research. 

There are different ways to design how a research study will be done.  Studies can be pretty basic or very complex.  Basic studies may only need people to answer questions, fill out diaries or even play computer games. Complex studies may ask volunteers to use a device that has never been tested before or to stay in the hospital while they take a certain medicine. The same basic goal guides all studies: understanding and improving human health, wellbeing, and knowledge.