Abstract

Negative studies are the studies in which author has failed to disprove the null hypothesis. Occasionally, these type of studies are also referred as inconclusive studies. It is observed that strong publication bias exist regarding the publication of negative studies. Few studies published so far reveal that negative studies are not published as frequently as positive studies. It is observed that the trend of publication of negative studies is declining. Various efforts are done to increase the awareness and publication of negative studies. New journals are launched which publishes exclusively negative studies, new section of negative studies are included in the existing journals and complete or partial waiver of publication fee for the negative
studies is granted. Even after these efforts it is observed that negative studies are in rarity. Prevalence of negative studies is below two digits in prominent Indian Medical Journals even after these vigorous efforts.

Key words: Negative studies; Methods; Positive studies