My systematic literature reviews used to lack credibility.
But this all changed when I started doing this...
Critical strategies for transparent lit review reporting:
But this all changed when I started doing this...
Critical strategies for transparent lit review reporting:
1. Use Reporting Checklists
Tailor your reporting to the review type.
PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
MOOSE for meta-analyses of observational studies.
CONSORT for randomized controlled trials.
These checklists are your transparency roadmap.
Tailor your reporting to the review type.
PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
MOOSE for meta-analyses of observational studies.
CONSORT for randomized controlled trials.
These checklists are your transparency roadmap.
2. Document Your Protocol
Clearly outline your review protocol upfront.
If you deviate from it, document why.
Transparency means showing your work.
Warts and all.
No hidden shortcuts or surprise detours.
Clearly outline your review protocol upfront.
If you deviate from it, document why.
Transparency means showing your work.
Warts and all.
No hidden shortcuts or surprise detours.
3. Provide a Flow Diagram
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Use a PRISMA flow diagram to illustrate.
Show your study screening and selection process.
Show readers exactly how you navigated the literature.
A good image speaks volumes.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Use a PRISMA flow diagram to illustrate.
Show your study screening and selection process.
Show readers exactly how you navigated the literature.
A good image speaks volumes.
4. Detail Your Search Strategy
Your literature search is the foundation of your review.
Report your search terms, databases used, and search dates.
No reader should be wondering how you found your studies.
Leave no stone unturned.
Don't make readers guess about your search.
Your literature search is the foundation of your review.
Report your search terms, databases used, and search dates.
No reader should be wondering how you found your studies.
Leave no stone unturned.
Don't make readers guess about your search.
5. Report Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria
Your criteria are your quality control.
Clearly state what studies made the cut and why.
Demo that you're unbiased in your selection.
Show readers you've been systematic.
Break down why you've chosen the studies.
Your criteria are your quality control.
Clearly state what studies made the cut and why.
Demo that you're unbiased in your selection.
Show readers you've been systematic.
Break down why you've chosen the studies.
6. Describe Critical Appraisal
Describe your critical appraisal process and tools.
Show readers you've carefully weighed the evidence.
Show you've considered the data.
Not just taking it at face value.
Your included studies aren't all created equal.
Describe your critical appraisal process and tools.
Show readers you've carefully weighed the evidence.
Show you've considered the data.
Not just taking it at face value.
Your included studies aren't all created equal.
7. State Data Extraction Methods
Your data is the heart of your review.
Explicitly state what and how you collected:
• Extraction methods
• Variables
• Tools
Give readers a clear window into your process.
Your data is the heart of your review.
Explicitly state what and how you collected:
• Extraction methods
• Variables
• Tools
Give readers a clear window into your process.
8. Outline Analysis & Synthesis
Your analysis and synthesis turn data into meaning.
Clearly outline your methods.
Synthesis breathes life into data.
Show readers how you pieced the puzzle together.
Why is your picture trustworthy?
Your analysis and synthesis turn data into meaning.
Clearly outline your methods.
Synthesis breathes life into data.
Show readers how you pieced the puzzle together.
Why is your picture trustworthy?
9. Discuss Heterogeneity & Bias
No review is perfect.
Discuss the sources of heterogeneity.
Explore the roots of diverse sources.
Do a risk of bias assessment.
Don't hide your lit review limitations.
Own them with transparency.
No review is perfect.
Discuss the sources of heterogeneity.
Explore the roots of diverse sources.
Do a risk of bias assessment.
Don't hide your lit review limitations.
Own them with transparency.
10. Be Transparent About Funding & Conflicts
Your credibility is everything.
Clearly state your funding sources.
Maintain your credibility and integrity
Elaborate on any potential conflicts of interest.
Show readers you have nothing to hide.
Your credibility is everything.
Clearly state your funding sources.
Maintain your credibility and integrity
Elaborate on any potential conflicts of interest.
Show readers you have nothing to hide.
11. Transparency goes beyond following checklists.
It's about offering readers
A clear, honest view into your process.
The more transparent you are, the more trust you build.
Approach your review reporting with
The mindset of "show, don't tell."
It's about offering readers
A clear, honest view into your process.
The more transparent you are, the more trust you build.
Approach your review reporting with
The mindset of "show, don't tell."
Show readers exactly how you did the review right.
Every step of the way.
If you enjoyed these posts:
1. Follow @acagamic to see more research and writing tips.
2. Repost and like my post to help a friend write a lit review.
What's your top tip for transparency in lit reviews?
Every step of the way.
If you enjoyed these posts:
1. Follow @acagamic to see more research and writing tips.
2. Repost and like my post to help a friend write a lit review.
What's your top tip for transparency in lit reviews?
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