Sex contextualism in laboratory research: Enhancing rigor and precision in the study of sex-related variables
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AuthorsPape, M., Miyagi, M., Ritz, S.A., Boulicault, M., Richardson, S.S. & Maney, D.L.
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TypeComment
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JournalCell
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Publication Date2024
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Abstract
Understanding sex-related variation in health and illness requires rigorous and precise approaches to revealing underlying mechanisms. A first step is to recognize that sex is not in and of itself a causal mechanism; rather, it is a classification system comprising a set of categories, usually assigned according to a range of varying traits. Moving beyond sex as a system of classification to working with concrete and measurable sex-related variables is necessary for precision. Whether and how these sex-related variables matter—and what patterns of difference they contribute to—will vary in context-specific ways. Second, when researchers incorporate these sex-related variables into research designs, rigorous analytical methods are needed to allow strongly supported conclusions. Third, the interpretation and reporting of sex-related variation require care to ensure that basic and preclinical research advance health equity for all.