A Methodological Framework for Investigating Diversity in Clinical Research

Many reports and reviews have been published on best practices in research recruitment, engagement, and retention (RER), yet clinical research broadly lacks identifiable mechanisms to translate these qualitative reports into quantifiable, testable hypotheses on the science of RER. A science of diversity requires precise mechanisms for true efficacy, but before this is possible, we must develop key methodological and ontological frameworks. Thus, we are in dire need a basic sciences approach to identify mechanisms that underpin RER research, and disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) clinical research more broadly.