Empirical research in bioethical journals. A quantitative analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Bioethics
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Empirical research is crucial for advancing medical ethics and bioethics.
• Understanding the trends in empirical research publication is key to assessing the field's development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the evolution and nature of published empirical research in leading medical ethics and bioethics journals.
• To identify trends in empirical study designs and topics over a defined period.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective quantitative analysis of articles published between 1990 and 2003.
• Nine peer-reviewed journals in bioethics and medical ethics were systematically reviewed.
• Data on empirical study prevalence, design paradigms, and research topics were extracted.

Main Results:

• A total of 4029 articles were analyzed, with 10.8% (435) employing empirical designs.
• The proportion of empirical research increased from 5.4% in 1990 to 15.4% in 2003.
• Quantitative research dominated (64.6%), with 'prolongation of life and euthanasia' being the most frequent topic.

Conclusions:

• The publication of empirical research in medical ethics and bioethics has shown a significant and steady increase.
• The trend suggests a growing importance and adoption of empirical methodologies within these fields.
• Future research is likely to see a continued rise in empirical studies, reflecting their increasing value.