Common pitfalls with studies and things to look out for

Format: Websites

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Language/s: English

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Resource Link: Visit the Website

Target Audience: Self-directed learning

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Short Description:

‘Ask for Evidence’ introduction to the need for critical appraisal of research studies.

Key Concepts addressed:

• 2-8 Consider all of the relevant fair comparisons
• 2-9 Reviews of fair comparisons should be systematic
• 3-2 Are you very different from the people studied?
• 3-3 Are the treatments practical in your setting?

Details

Is the study relevant?

Just because you’ve seen or been sent a reputable scientific paper, you shouldn’t assume the research actually supports the claim, even if someone has said it does. The research might well be totally irrelevant.

So first ask or check: what’s actually being tested in the study? Does it really relate to the claim?

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