2. OVERVIEW When conducting a search for evidence, there are many types of articles you may run into. Primary research articles Review articles Case studies Others (news, editorials, etc) It is imperative to be able to distinguish between these different article types
3. PRIMARY RESEARCH ARTICLES Present the findings/results of a research study The authors of the article are the persons who conducted the research (i.e. primary) The article will include: why, how, what Typically published in scholarly journals and undergo peer review
4. REVIEW ARTICLES A critical evaluation of recent research on a topic Are considered secondary sources Generally are subject to peer review, especially in the sciences & health sciences Three main types: Literature reviews Systematic reviews Meta analyses
5. LITERATURE REVIEW An overview of a topic written by an expert in the field No new contributions to research; instead are summarizing the work of others In some ways similar to a research paper you might write in college Example
6. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW Uses a rigorous, pre-planned process to find and synthesis the results of many primary studies Involves a search of the literature using inclusion/exclusion criteria and then a systematic synthesis of the results Considered a high level of evidence (esp Cochrane Reviews) Example
7. META ANALYSIS 1. A systematic review is carried out 2. The results from many studies are statistically combined in order to summarize the overall outcome. Example
8. CASE STUDIES OR CASE REPORTS A detailed report on one patient/case Draws conclusions only on one patient in one context-i.e. not generalizable Descriptive Goal is to offer new directions for research; ask new questions Example
