Methodologic standards for treatment outcome research in schizophrenia.

Considerable progress has been made in increasing the formal correctness of outcome research in schizophrenia by employing strict methodologic standards. However, based on a recent review of the literature, the authors note that insufficient attention has been directed toward the meaningfulness of such research. The interest of a particular study derives from its application beyond the specific patients treated; lack of attention to meaningfulness encourages the researcher to posit unjustified or overly generalized conclusions, resulting in the widespread adoption of questionable treatment strategies or the dismissal of potentially useful ones. Increased attention to meaningfulness will make the conclusions of this type of research more valuable, both from pragmatic and theoretical standpoints.