💡 Hypothesis-Generating

Hypothesis-generating refers to:

A type of study or analysis intended to explore possible associations, patterns, or effects that may inform future research, rather than to confirm or prove a predefined hypothesis.

🔍 Key Features:

Based on observational data, often retrospective

Lacks randomization, control groups, or strict blinding

May involve multiple outcomes or exploratory subgroup analyses

Not powered to provide definitive answers

Used to identify trends or suggest relationships worth studying further

⚠️ Important Clarification:

Hypothesis-generating ≠ Hypothesis-confirming

Hypothesis-generating studies raise questions

Hypothesis-confirming studies (e.g. RCTs) aim to answer them

🧠 Use in Critique:

Calling a study “hypothesis-generating” is a diplomatic way to point out that:

Its findings are not strong enough to change clinical practice

It may be overreaching in its conclusions