Trend Analysis in Research: Methods, Applications, and Pitfalls
Trend analysis in research is the systematic examination of data collected over time to identify patterns, directions, or changes in a variable of interest. For students, researchers, and life-science professionals, trend analysis provides a framework for understanding how phenomena evolve, whether those phenomena are disease incidence rates, patient behaviors, environmental conditions, or publication patterns. This article explains the main approaches to trend analysis, including time series analysis, cohort studies, and panel studies, with attention to their appropriate applications and the common errors that compromise validity. A decision table helps match research questions and data structures to suitable methods.
Defining Trend Analysis in Research Methodology
Trend analysis occupies a specific position in research methodology. It differs from cross-sectional studies, which capture a single point in time, and from retrospective studies, which reconstruct past events from memory or records. Trend analysis requires repeated observations across time, and the analytical approach depends on whether the same individuals are measured repeatedly, different samples are drawn from the same population, or entire populations are tracked.
The core question in trend analysis is whether an observed change over time reflects a genuine underlying shift or merely random variation. This distinction matters in applied settings. For example, a researcher examining prescribing patterns for cardiovascular medications needs to know whether declining prescription volumes represent a real shift in clinical practice or year-to-year noise. A study of digitalis glycosides in Germany used prescription data and poison center records from 1990 to 2023 to investigate exactly this type of question, applying joinpoint regression to identify trend changes and half-time analyses to compare how quickly different substances declined in use (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology).
Trend analysis also serves a descriptive function in research fields themselves. Bibliometric studies track publication volumes, keyword frequencies, and collaboration patterns to map how a discipline evolves. One analysis of social network analysis research examined 2,158 publications from the Scopus database between 2001 and 2020 and found an upward trend in publications that peaked in 2020, with the method spreading from sociology into risk management, project management, supply chain management, tourism, technology innovation, and knowledge management (Heliyon). Similarly, a bibliometric study of sustainable energy research using Web of Science data from 1980 to 2022 found that publications increased markedly after 2015, coinciding with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement (Sustainability).
Core Principles of Trend Analysis
Time Is the Organizing Variable
All trend analysis methods share a common structure: time is the independent variable, and the outcome of interest is measured at multiple points. The spacing of measurements, the duration of the observation window, and the unit of analysis all shape what conclusions are possible. A trend study of general practitioners and occupational health physicians in Germany surveyed physicians in 2014/2015 and again in 2023/2024 using an identical questionnaire, allowing the researchers to compare attitudes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic (BMC Primary Care). This design, called a repeated cross-sectional survey, tracks population-level trends without following individual physicians.
Distinguishing Signal from Noise
The central statistical challenge in trend analysis is separating genuine trends from random fluctuation. Non-parametric methods such as the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator are widely used because they make fewer assumptions about data distribution. A study of extreme rainfall in Delhi used the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator on annual maximum rainfall series from 1901 to 2021 and identified a significant increasing trend with a slope of approximately 0.35 mm per year (Research Square). The Mann-Kendall test assesses whether values tend to increase or decrease monotonically, while Sen's slope quantifies the magnitude of that change.
The Unit of Comparison Matters
Trend analysis requires clarity about what is being compared over time. In cohort studies, the same individuals are followed forward, and trends describe within-person change. In repeated cross-sectional studies, different samples from the same population are compared, and trends describe population-level change. In panel studies, a fixed set of units, such as countries, hospitals, or farms, is observed at multiple time points, allowing both within-unit and between-unit comparisons.
At a Glance: Selecting a Trend Analysis Method
The choice of trend analysis method depends on the data structure and the research question. The following table summarizes the main options.
| Data Structure | Research Question | Suitable Method | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single variable measured repeatedly at regular intervals | Is there a monotonic trend over time? | Time series analysis with Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope | Requires sufficient observations and attention to serial correlation |
| Same individuals followed over time | How does an outcome change within individuals? | Cohort study with repeated measures analysis | Attrition can bias results if dropouts differ from completers |
| Different samples from the same population at multiple time points | How has the population changed over time? | Repeated cross-sectional survey or trend study | Questionnaire must remain identical across waves |
| Fixed set of units observed at multiple time points | How do units change relative to each other? | Panel study with fixed or random effects models | Requires balanced data and attention to time-varying confounders |
| Published literature on a topic | How has research activity evolved? | Bibliometric analysis with topic modeling | Database selection affects results |
| Hydro-meteorological records | Are there trends in extreme events? | Innovative trend analysis methods | Classical methods assume serial independence |
Time Series Analysis
Definition and Scope
Time series analysis examines a single variable measured at successive points in time, typically at equal intervals. This method is common in environmental science, economics, and epidemiology. The goal is to identify trends, seasonal patterns, and cyclical components while accounting for random error.
Classical Methods and Their Limitations
Classical trend analysis methods, including linear regression on time and the Mann-Kendall test, provide a holistic trend identification and statistical quantification of intercept and slope. However, these approaches carry assumptions that often fail in practice. A review of trend analysis methodologies in hydro-meteorological records notes that classical methods assume serial independence of the time series, require pre-whitening when autocorrelation is present, assume normality of the data, and do not permit serial comparison among different sections of the same record (Earth Systems and Environment).
These limitations matter for real-world data. Rainfall records, river discharge measurements, and temperature series typically exhibit autocorrelation, meaning that values in adjacent time periods are correlated. When this assumption is violated, the Mann-Kendall test can produce misleading results, detecting trends that are not actually present or missing trends that are.
Innovative Trend Analysis Methods
To address the limitations of classical methods, researchers have developed innovative trend analysis approaches. The Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis (IPTA) method divides a time series into two equal segments and plots the first half against the second half. This approach identifies also the overall trend but also trend transitions between successive sections of the record, producing a trend polygon that supports finer interpretation (Journal of Hydrology). The IPTA method was applied to rainfall records from New Jersey, the Danube River, and the Goksu River in Turkey.
A further refinement, the Standardized Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis (S-IPTA), standardizes data sets to make them dimensionless, allowing different variables such as precipitation and temperature to be compared on a single graph. When applied to monthly precipitation and temperature data from ten meteorological stations in the Konya Basin in Turkey from 1959 to 2022, the temperature polygon was more regular than the precipitation polygon, indicating that temperature means were generally stable with a positive trend (Pure and Applied Geophysics).
Another extension, the Innovative Trend Analysis with a Novel Framework (ITA-NF), incorporates scatter plots, statistical classification based on standardization, and application to extreme precipitation indices. Analysis of daily precipitation data from Durham, UK (1868 to 2021) and Burbank, California (1940 to 2023) showed that dividing data into classifications with corresponding frequencies improves understanding of how sub-trends are distributed within a dataset (Natural Hazards).
Applications in Climate and Hydrology
Trend analysis in hydro-meteorological records supports infrastructure planning and risk assessment. A study of extreme rainfall risk for hydropower dam safety in the Mekong Basin used bias-corrected climate model data from ten CMIP6 models, extreme-focused model selection, and ensemble construction to analyze return periods, intensity-duration-frequency curves, and extreme rainfall trends under two climate scenarios. The results showed that suitable models were catchment-specific and that each catchment had a different risk profile, with one catchment showing a 63.20% increase in 100-year 1-day rainfall under the high-emission scenario (Preprints.org).
For researchers working with environmental data, the practical implication is that trend analysis must consider magnitude, variability, and trend together. A catchment with a high probable maximum precipitation value and a steep trend in extreme rainfall presents a different risk profile than one with moderate values in both dimensions.
Cohort Studies
Definition and Design
A cohort study follows a defined group of individuals forward in time, measuring outcomes at multiple points. This design supports trend analysis at the individual level, allowing researchers to examine how outcomes change within persons and what factors predict different trajectories.
Attrition as a Threat to Validity
The primary threat to cohort trend analysis is attrition, the loss of participants over time. Attrition matters because it affects both statistical power and generalizability. If the participants who drop out differ systematically from those who remain, the observed trends will not represent the original cohort or the target population.
A meta-analysis of attrition in infant functional near-infrared spectroscopy research reviewed 182 publications from 1998 to 2020 and found an average attrition rate of 34.23% across 272 experiments. Among studies that reported reasons for exclusion, 21.50% of attrition was infant-driven and 14.21% was signal-driven. Subject characteristics such as age and study design features such as cap configuration, block or trial design, and stimulus type predicted attrition rates, suggesting that modifying the recruitment pool or study design can meaningfully reduce attrition (Infancy).
The practical lesson for researchers is that attrition should be planned for, not discovered after data collection. Power calculations should account for expected attrition, and recruitment strategies should target populations less likely to drop out. Reporting standards should include the attrition rate and reasons for exclusion to support transparency and comparability across studies.
Repeated Measures Analysis
When cohort data are complete or attrition is handled appropriately, trend analysis can proceed with repeated measures methods. These methods account for the correlation between measurements taken from the same individual, which violates the independence assumption of ordinary regression. Mixed-effects models and generalized estimating equations are common approaches, though the specific choice depends on the outcome distribution and the research question.
Panel Studies
Definition and Scope
Panel studies observe a fixed set of units, such as countries, hospitals, schools, or farms, at multiple time points. This design combines features of cross-sectional and time series data, allowing researchers to examine both differences between units and changes within units over time.
Advantages for Trend Detection
Panel data offer several advantages for trend analysis. First, they allow researchers to control for unobserved time-invariant characteristics of units, reducing confounding. Second, they provide more information than a single cross-section or a single time series, increasing statistical power. Third, they permit examination of whether trends differ across units.
Time-Varying Bias Parameters
A subtle issue in panel studies is that classification parameters, such as the sensitivity and specificity of a diagnostic test or the positive and negative predictive values of an exposure measure, may change over time. A simulation study of validation substudy design demonstrated that when time trends in misclassification exist, conventional validation designs that estimate a single summary classification parameter over the study period produce biased results. Purposeful sampling of validation data at the beginning, middle, and end of follow-up allowed accurate estimation of time-varying predictive values (Epidemiology).
This finding has direct implications for long-term studies. If a study enrolls participants over several years or follows them for an extended period, the accuracy of exposure measurement may drift. Researchers should consider whether validation data should be collected at multiple time points instead of once.
Trend Studies Using Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys
Definition and Design
A trend study, also called a repeated cross-sectional study, surveys different samples from the same population at multiple time points using identical methods. This design tracks population-level trends without following individuals.
Case Example: Physician Cooperation in Germany
The GPOP trend study surveyed general practitioners and occupational health physicians in Germany in 2014/2015 and again in 2023/2024 using an identical postal questionnaire. More than 1,000 physicians participated in each wave, with response rates of 35% and 30% respectively. The study found hardly any cooperation between the two physician groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, and attitudes changed only slightly between the two time points. The strongest predictor of attitudes was professional group membership (BMC Primary Care).
This example illustrates both the value and the limitations of trend studies. The identical questionnaire across waves allowed direct comparison, but the low response rates raise questions about representativeness. Researchers using this design must consider whether respondents differ from non-respondents and whether response rates changed over time.
Case Example: Patient-Provider Internet Communication
A trend analysis using the Health Information National Trends Survey examined online patient-provider communication from 2003 to 2013. The analysis involved reanalysis of earlier data, close replication across years, and extension to additional data years. Multivariate logistic regression with year as a predictor showed that the odds of internet users communicating online with health care providers increased significantly year over year, from an odds ratio of 1.31 in 2005 to 5.77 in 2013. Significant socioeconomic factors included age, health insurance status, cancer history, and urban residence (Journal of Medical Internet Research).
This study demonstrates the importance of consistent methodology across survey waves. The researchers identified the precise analytic methodology used in a prior study and replicated it exactly before extending the analysis to additional years.
Bibliometric Trend Analysis
Definition and Scope
Bibliometric analysis examines patterns in published literature, including publication volumes, citation networks, keyword frequencies, and collaboration structures. This approach is used to map the evolution of research fields and identify emerging topics.
Methods and Tools
A study of machine learning research from 1968 to 2017 analyzed approximately 23,365 journal articles using topic models including Latent Semantic Analysis, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, and Latent Dirichlet Allocation with a Coherent Model. The Mann-Kendall test was applied to understand trends in topic prominence. The study found that the topic model with coherence optimization gave the highest topic coherence and provided a scientific basis for overcoming the subjectivity of collective opinion (International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications).
A bibliometric analysis of sustainable energy research used VOSviewer, RStudio Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace software tools to analyze 1,498 articles from the Web of Science database published between 1980 and 2022. The analysis found that publications increased significantly after 2015, with the highest number reached in 2022, and that the keyword "sustainable energy" was the most frequently used (Sustainability).
Limitations of Bibliometric Analysis
Bibliometric analysis depends entirely on the database used. Studies limited to Web of Science or Scopus will miss publications indexed only in other databases. Researchers should report database selection as a limitation and consider whether the chosen database adequately covers the field.
Meta-Analysis as a Form of Trend Synthesis
Definition and Scope
Meta-analysis synthesizes results from multiple studies to estimate an overall effect. While not a trend analysis method in the strict sense, meta-analysis can examine trends in effect sizes over time and is placed at the top of the evidence hierarchy (Asian Nursing Research).
Recent Developments
Recent research trends in meta-analysis include network meta-analysis, which compares multiple treatments simultaneously, meta-analytic structural equation modeling, and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis. Reporting standards have been established for primary studies and meta-analyses, but critical assessments have shown that the quality of reporting in nursing meta-analyses is low. Problematic areas include study search, study selection, risk of bias assessment, publication bias, and additional analysis based on quality assessment (Asian Nursing Research).
Application to Prognostic Factor Research
A guide to systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic factor studies provides methodological guidance for this specialized application (BMJ). Researchers conducting meta-analyses of prognostic factors face additional challenges, including heterogeneity in outcome definitions and measurement methods across studies.
Practical Workflow for Conducting Trend Analysis
Step 1: Define the Research Question and Unit of Analysis
Specify what is changing over time, over what period, and at what level. Is the question about individual change, population change, or change in a fixed set of units? The answer determines whether a cohort, repeated cross-sectional, or panel design is appropriate.
Step 2: Assess Data Availability and Quality
Determine whether existing data are sufficient or whether new data collection is needed. For existing data, assess the measurement interval, the duration of coverage, and the consistency of measurement methods over time. Changes in measurement instruments, definitions, or sampling frames can create spurious trends.
Step 3: Select the Analytical Method
Use the decision table in the At a Glance section to match the data structure and research question to an appropriate method. Consider whether classical methods are appropriate or whether innovative methods that relax assumptions are needed.
Step 4: Conduct the Analysis
Apply the selected method and examine sensitivity to analytical choices. For time series data, test for autocorrelation and consider whether pre-whitening is needed. For cohort data, examine attrition patterns and consider whether missing data handling is adequate. For panel data, test whether time-varying bias parameters are present.
Step 5: Interpret Results in Context
Interpret trends in light of the study design, the measurement properties of the variables, and the broader context. A trend may reflect a genuine change, a measurement artifact, or a change in the composition of the population under study.
Step 6: Report Methods Transparently
Report the analytical methods, the assumptions made, and the limitations of the approach. For trend studies using repeated surveys, report response rates for each wave and any changes in questionnaire administration. For cohort studies, report attrition rates and reasons for exclusion.
Records and Measurements
What to Record
Researchers conducting trend analysis should maintain detailed records of data collection procedures, including the timing of measurements, the instruments used, and any changes to protocols over the study period. For repeated surveys, the questionnaire should be archived in identical form across waves. For cohort studies, the timing and mode of follow-up contacts should be documented.
Quality Control Measures
Quality control in trend analysis involves verifying that measurements are comparable across time points. This includes checking for changes in laboratory assays, survey administration modes, or coding procedures. If changes occur, researchers should assess whether they affect trend estimates and consider statistical adjustments.
Documentation Standards
The National Institute of Standards and Technology maintains a Research Data Framework that addresses the infrastructure for managing research data across its lifecycle (NIST). While developed for physical science research, the principles of data documentation, preservation, and accessibility apply broadly.
Common Failure Patterns in Trend Analysis
Ignoring Autocorrelation
Classical trend tests assume serial independence, but most time series data violate this assumption. Ignoring autocorrelation can produce false positive trends. Researchers should test for autocorrelation and use appropriate methods when it is present.
Pooling Incompatible Data
Combining data collected with different methods, definitions, or sampling frames can create artificial trends. For example, if a survey changes from telephone to online administration, observed changes may reflect mode effects instead of genuine trends.
Overlooking Attrition Bias
In cohort studies, attrition that is related to the outcome of interest biases trend estimates. Researchers should compare completers and dropouts on baseline characteristics and use appropriate methods such as inverse probability weighting when attrition is substantial.
Confusing Statistical and Practical Significance
A statistically significant trend may be too small to matter practically. The Delhi rainfall study found a significant increasing trend of approximately 0.35 mm per year in annual maximum rainfall (Research Square). Whether this magnitude matters for urban flood risk depends on the infrastructure design standards and the consequences of failure.
Extrapolating Beyond the Data
Trends observed within the study period may not continue into the future. Climate studies using scenario-based projections address this by modeling multiple possible futures, but observational trend studies cannot predict regime changes.
Failing to Report Methodological Trends
Research fields themselves change over time, and these changes affect the interpretation of individual studies. A metamethod analysis of qualitative research on psychotherapists' experiences examined 140 studies published from 1985 to 2015 and found that the number of publications grew substantially, that researchers reported their epistemological stance in approximately a quarter of studies, and that procedures promoting reflexivity increased over time while procedures promoting credibility decreased (Psychotherapy Research). Researchers should be aware that methodological norms evolve and that older studies may not meet current reporting standards.
Limitations and Professional Escalation Criteria
When Trend Analysis Is Not Appropriate
Trend analysis requires sufficient data points over time. With too few time points, it is impossible to distinguish trends from random fluctuation. As a general principle, the more time points and the longer the observation window, the more reliable the trend estimate.
When to Seek Specialized Assistance
Researchers should consider consulting a statistician or methodologist when the data structure is complex, when assumptions are violated, or when the consequences of incorrect conclusions are severe. Situations that warrant escalation include:
- Time series with strong autocorrelation or non-stationarity
- Cohort studies with substantial attrition or informative dropout
- Panel data with complex correlation structures
- Studies where misclassification may vary over time
- Analyses where the choice of method materially changes conclusions
Reporting Standards and Guidelines
The EQUATOR Network provides reporting guidelines for health research, including guidelines for observational studies, randomized trials, and systematic reviews (EQUATOR Network). Researchers conducting trend analysis should consult relevant reporting guidelines to ensure complete and transparent reporting.
The NC3Rs Experimental Design Assistant supports researchers in designing rigorous experiments, including considerations of sample size, randomization, and blinding (NC3Rs). While developed primarily for animal research, the principles of experimental design apply broadly.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information provides literature resources including PubMed, which indexes biomedical literature (NCBI). PubMed is a primary database for identifying studies for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PubMed).
Welfare and Safety Context
Research Ethics in Trend Studies
Trend studies involving human participants raise ethical considerations around informed consent, privacy, and data security. Repeated surveys must maintain participant confidentiality across waves. Cohort studies must consider the burden of repeated assessments on participants.
Safety Monitoring in Longitudinal Research
In clinical and public health research, trend analysis can serve a safety monitoring function. If adverse event rates increase over time, this may signal a safety problem that requires action. Researchers should have protocols in place for responding to concerning trends.
The Biomedical Model and Research Trends
The interpretation of trends in health research is shaped by the theoretical frameworks that dominate a field. A critical analysis of the biomedical model of mental disorder argues that the model, which posits that mental disorders are brain diseases and emphasizes pharmacological treatment, has dominated American healthcare for more than three decades. During this period, psychiatric medication use has sharply increased, yet the era has been characterized by a broad lack of clinical innovation and poor mental health outcomes. The biomedical paradigm has affected clinical psychology through the adoption of drug trial methodology in psychotherapy research, which has neglected treatment process and inhibited treatment innovation (Clinical Psychology Review).
This example illustrates that trends in research and practice are not neutral observations. They reflect the assumptions and priorities of the scientific community. Researchers conducting trend analysis should be aware of the conceptual frameworks that shape their fields and consider whether observed trends represent progress or path dependence.
Methodological Integrity in Qualitative Research
Trend analysis applies also to quantitative data but also to qualitative research methodology. A critical review of descriptive phenomenological methodology in Korean nursing research analyzed 64 empirical phenomenological studies published from 2005 to 2018 and found that all used Giorgi's or Colaizzi's scientific phenomenological methodology without critical attention to Husserl's philosophical principles. The paper argues that greater integration of Husserlian principles, such as participant-centered bracketing and eidetic reduction, is needed (Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions).
This finding demonstrates that methodological trends can reflect conformity instead of critical engagement. Researchers should evaluate whether prevailing methodological practices are appropriate for their research questions instead of following trends uncritically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a trend study and a cohort study?
A trend study, also called a repeated cross-sectional study, surveys different samples from the same population at multiple time points using identical methods. It tracks population-level change. A cohort study follows the same individuals forward in time and tracks within-person change. The GPOP study of German physicians is an example of a trend study, while a study that follows a group of patients from diagnosis through treatment is a cohort study.
How many time points are needed for trend analysis?
There is no universal minimum, but more time points provide more reliable trend estimates. With only two time points, a trend analysis can only compare two measurements and cannot distinguish a linear trend from random fluctuation. With three or more time points, it becomes possible to assess whether change is consistent. The Mann-Kendall test and similar methods require a sufficient number of observations to have adequate statistical power.
What is the Mann-Kendall test?
The Mann-Kendall test is a non-parametric test for monotonic trends in time series data. It assesses whether values tend to increase or decrease consistently over time without assuming a specific distribution for the data. It is widely used in environmental and hydrological research. The Delhi rainfall study used the Mann-Kendall test to identify a significant increasing trend in annual maximum rainfall (Research Square).
What is Sen's slope estimator?
Sen's slope estimator quantifies the magnitude of a trend identified by the Mann-Kendall test. It calculates the median slope across all pairs of points in the time series, providing a robust estimate of the rate of change. In the Delhi rainfall study, Sen's slope estimated the trend at approximately 0.35 mm per year.
What is attrition bias in cohort studies?
Attrition bias occurs when participants who drop out of a cohort study differ systematically from those who remain. If dropout is related to the outcome of interest, the observed trends will not represent the original cohort. The meta-analysis of infant fNIRS research found an average attrition rate of 34.23% and identified subject characteristics and study design features that predicted attrition (Infancy).
What is the difference between time series analysis and panel data analysis?
Time series analysis examines a single variable measured repeatedly over time, such as monthly rainfall at one station. Panel data analysis examines multiple units observed at multiple time points, such as rainfall at ten stations over several decades. Panel data allow researchers to control for unobserved time-invariant characteristics of units and to examine whether trends differ across units.
What are innovative trend analysis methods?
Innovative trend analysis methods relax the assumptions of classical methods. The Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis divides a time series into two equal segments and plots one against the other to identify trends and trend transitions (Journal of Hydrology). The Standardized Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis standardizes data to allow comparison of different variables on a single graph (Pure and Applied Geophysics). The Innovative Trend Analysis with a Novel Framework incorporates scatter plots and statistical classification (Natural Hazards).
How do I report a trend analysis transparently?
Report the data source, the measurement interval, the analytical method, and the assumptions made. For repeated surveys, report response rates for each wave and any changes in administration. For cohort studies, report attrition rates and reasons for exclusion. Consult reporting guidelines from the EQUATOR Network for health research (EQUATOR Network). Describe limitations, including the potential for measurement changes over time and the generalizability of the findings.
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References and Further Reading
- Research Data Framework. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- EQUATOR Network. EQUATOR Network.
- Experimental Design Assistant. NC3Rs.
- NCBI Literature Resources. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- PubMed. National Library of Medicine.
- The biomedical model of mental disorder: a critical analysis of its validity, utility, and effects on psychotherapy research.. Clinical psychology review, 2013.
- A guide to systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic factor studies.. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 2019.
- Husserlian phenomenology in Korean nursing research: analysis, problems, and suggestions.. Journal of educational evaluation for health professions, 2020.
- Attrition rate in infant fNIRS research: A meta-analysis.. Infancy : the official journal of the International Society on Infant Studies, 2023.
- Meta-Analysis.. Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association, 2018.
- A metamethod analysis of qualitative research methodology in studies of psychotherapists' experiences.. Psychotherapy research : journal of the Society for Psychotherapy Research, 2026.
- Recent Research Trends in Meta-analysis.. Asian nursing research, 2017.
- The role of statistical analysis in modern nursing research.. Research in nursing & health, 2020.
- Critical analysis of digitalis glycosides: declining use but increasing poison-center exposure cases for digitoxin.. 2026.
- Multi-Dimensional Rainfall Risk for Hydropower Dam Safety from Extreme-Weighted CMIP6 Ensembles Across the Mekong Basin. 2026.
- Hybrid Statistical-Machine Learning Framework for Trend Analysis and Extreme Rainfall Frequency Modeling in Delhi. 2026.
- Differential Misclassification by Time: A Proposed Validation Substudy Design to Account for Time Trends in Bias Parameters.. 2026.
- Even the COVID-19 pandemic didn´t change anything: insights from a trend study on the cooperation of general practitioners and occupational health physicians in Germany.. 2026.
- A New Framework for Evaluation of Rainfall Temporal Variability through Principal Component Analysis, Hybrid Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System, and Innovative Trend Analysis Methodology. Water resources management, 2020.
- A new framework for innovative trend analysis: integrating extreme precipitation indices, standardization, enhanced visualization, and novel classification approaches (ITA-NF). Natural Hazards, 2025.
- Standardized Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis for Climate Change Assessment (S-IPTA). Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2024.
- A Trend Analysis of Machine Learning Research with Topic Models and Mann-Kendall Test. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications, 2019.
- Sustainable Energy Research Trend: A Bibliometric Analysis Using VOSviewer, RStudio Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace Software Tools. Sustainability, 2023.
- Social network analysis in business and management research: A bibliometric analysis of the research trend and performance from 2001 to 2020. Heliyon, 2022.
- Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis (IPTA) and applications. Journal of Hydrology, 2019.
- Growth Dynamics of Patient-Provider Internet Communication: Trend Analysis Using the Health Information National Trends Survey (2003 to 2013). Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2018.
- Trend Analyses Methodologies in Hydro-meteorological Records. Earth Systems and Environment, 2020.
- Evolution and Research Trends in Agile Methodology and Digital Transformation: A Bibliometric Analysis. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, 2026.
This article is educational and does not replace institutional policy, professional advice, or applicable safety and regulatory requirements.