Study designs and research methodology in the field of otolaryngology

Abstract
Background
Scientific studies require a well-prepared cascade of steps starting from the idea and formulating a research question passing through collecting data and analysis of the results to proper writing a good article and publication. The methodology section is the core of any scientific article.

Main body
Study designs in otolaryngology can be classified as “observational studies,” “experimental (interventional) studies,” and “meta-analysis—systematic review.” There may be a huge range in quality between kinds of studies. To standardize the method of reporting the quality of studies and include all important aspects in the evaluation process, a team of scientists created the reporting guidelines checklists.

Conclusions
In this article, we give a comprehensive review that can help authors to understand study designs in otolaryngology along with the appropriate reporting guidelines used in each study.