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Research Methodology: Instrumentation, Reviews, and Trials

This guide is an introduction to research methods. In it, you will find explanations of key terms; tools for finding controlled trials, research instruments, and systematic reviews; and suggestions on how to evaluate them.

Introduction

A systematic review is a work that seeks "to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision making." (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/about/about-cochrane-reviews)

Finding Systematic Reviews

Here we will look at how to find systematic reviews using the library databases.

You can trust systematic reviews to be presented with as little bias as possible, to be evidence-based, and to be peer-reviewed. They will provide you with a comprehensive synthesis of the available literature on a particular topic.

This guide does not provide instructions on how to conduct your systematic review, but rather how you can find the systematic reviews others have conducted.

Searching Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) for Systematic Reviews

"Each Cochrane Review is a systematic review that has been prepared and supervised by a Cochrane Review Group (editorial team). It attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision-making. Cochrane Reviews are updated to reflect the findings of new evidence when it becomes available because the results of new studies can change the conclusions of a review. Cochrane Reviews are therefore valuable sources of information for those receiving and providing care, as well as for decision-makers and researchers." - Cochrane Library

Here are the steps to searching CDSR at Carlow.

  1. Navigate to the Grace Library homepage.
  2. Click on "A-Z Databases."
  3. Click on "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews."
    • Please note: attempting to access Grace Library's database off campus will prompt you to enter your Carlow username and password
  4. Here you can run a search using the advanced search box and field selection drop-down.
    •  
  5. Or, you can browse the index by clicking "Indexes" at the top of the screen. This is the most efficient way to access subjects, such as Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).
    • Click "Indexes"
    • Select "MeSH Headings (Major)" from the "Browse an index" drop-down menu.
    • In the "Browse for" box, search for a subject. In this example, I am searching for "sprains and strains."
    • Click the check box next to all of the subjects you would like to browse, and click "Add."
    • This will create a search string at the top of the screen. Finally, click "Search" to see all systematic reviews that match the subjects you've selected.

Glossary

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) - A controlled vocabulary from the National Library of Medicine used for categorizing biomedical information.