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Investigative Methodology for Chronobiology

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Biological Rhythms and Medicine

Abstract

Progress in the developing science of chronobiology has closely paralleled the emergence of new and improved research methodologies. Methodological requirements for biological rhythm study have been reviewed previously (Halberg et al. 1972, 1977; Reinberg 1971, 1974; Smolensky et al. 1974). This chapter outlines a minimum set of conditions and procedures necessary for conducting sound chronobiologic investigations. The recommendations which are put forward should be regarded as proposals and/or suggestions rather than rules or criteria for judging the quality of experimentation. It is obvious that each study dictates a specific methodology depending upon, among other things, the goals of the investigation and the state of knowledge. The contents of this chapter provide necessary information for designing chronobiologic research protocols and for minimizing the occurrence of those types of mistakes typically experienced in earlier chronobiologic investigations.

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Reinberg, A., Smolensky, M.H. (1983). Investigative Methodology for Chronobiology. In: Biological Rhythms and Medicine. Topics in Environmental Physiology and Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9496-9_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9496-9_2

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