PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - Methods Core The Methods Core will advance the scientific mission of CAPS by maximizing the scientific rigor of the research conducted by CAPS scientists via promoting the use of optimal methods, new tools, and best practices. Scientific methods make it possible for CAPS scientists to conduct research of the highest caliber to help end the HIV epidemic. However, it can be difficult for CAPS scientists to determine which research methods and technologies from a continually growing list best suit the needs of particular research questions and projects. Given the increasing number of study designs, data sources, data analysis approaches, and the growing complexity of these methods and technologies, the Methods Core will ensure that CAPS investigators are equipped to meet these challenges, particularly for addressing the priority thematic areas for CAPS: identifying the co-occurring and multiplicative factors that interact to affect HIV and its co-presence with other health conditions and understanding and improving health delivery systems. The Core will promote optimal use of rigorous methods leading to high impact studies via these specific aims: (1) Promote use of rigorous study designs and support, train, and consult on research designs and methods; (2) Foster and leverage use of emergent technologies and multiple data sources in HIV research; and (3) Foster use of advanced analytic and mixed methods in HIV research. The Methods Core will also continue to provide its foundational services, which include: (1) consulting on refining research questions, study design, measures, data sources, sample size, and methods of analysis; (2) optimizing presentation of research methods and results in NIH grant proposals, conference presentations, peer-reviewed articles, and communications to communities affected by HIV; and (3) participating in internal, pre- submission peer reviews of grant proposals and manuscripts, responses to extramural reviews, and resubmissions. In addition to helping scientists choose rigorous approaches from an ever-increasing array of study designs and data collection, storage, and analysis options, the Core will also share with CAPS scientists evolving best practices on data de- identification for preserving participant confidentiality in the context increasing requirements by journal outlets for distribution of data for public access. Through these activities, the Methods Core will contribute crucially to the rigorous research needed to end the HIV epidemic.
