RT Journal
A1 Thomas L, Peterson ED
T1 STatistical analysis plans in observational research—reply
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2013
FD January 2
VO 309
IS 1
SP 32
OP 32
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.56917
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.56917
AB 
In Reply: Dr Trinh and Ms Sun contend that a prospective SAP process, outlined in our Viewpoint, is not feasible and does not go far enough to regulate the current observational research environment. Although there are elements of Trinh and Sun's comments we agree with, we reject their main premise. Our Viewpoint recognized the importance of flexibility in observational research, even in the context of a rigorous analytic process. While we agree that the wide availability of data sources and statistical analytic packages can enable fishing expeditions, we propose that using our SAP process (if done honestly) would limit such activity. Researchers could potentially be deceitful regarding what was prospectively defined, but thankfully willful deceit remains rare in science.