“Methodologically superficial” describes a study that lacks depth, rigor, or sophistication in its research design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation — leading to shaky or unconvincing conclusions.
🔍 Formal Understanding:
A methodologically superficial study relies on oversimplified tools, uses weak metrics, ignores confounding variables, or fails to justify its methodology — making its findings scientifically fragile.
⚕️ In Neurosurgery Research:
Using only basic attention tests (e.g., Trail Making Test A) to assess complex cognitive networks
Not including blinding, randomization, or control groups
Lacking longitudinal follow-up or failing to define key variables (e.g., “supramaximal resection”)
🚨 Example:
A study draws conclusions about long-term cognitive outcomes based on 1-week and 1-month tests — without accounting for neuroplasticity, rehabilitation, or adjuvant therapy.
âś… Key Symptoms of Methodological Superficiality:
Over-reliance on simplistic tools for complex phenomena
Inadequate sample size or follow-up
No control for confounders
Minimal or no statistical correction for multiple comparisons