Evaluate studies found with Consensus
Use scholarly discovery to find studies, then examine their methods and limits.
Follow the method ↓
The answer in 30 seconds
A research result can identify a promising study without establishing a general conclusion. Different populations, measurements and study designs may answer different questions.
Bound the research question, seek contrary findings and read beyond the abstract. Keep the references and the reasons for including each study.
Examples to adapt
Compare populations, outcomes and methods before treating them as direct contradictions.
State that limit and avoid claiming to have checked the full method.
Follow the method
- 1Define the concepts
List the main concepts and synonyms. Specify the population, context or period needed so unlike studies are not silently mixed.
- 2Locate publications
Read titles, dates and publication types. Search explicitly for contradictory results and relevant reviews.
- 3Examine methods
Check sample size, measures, study design and limitations. Distinguish an observed association from a demonstrated causal effect.
- 4Keep an evidence record
Record the identifier, version consulted and reason for inclusion. Mark studies whose full text you could not access.
A checklist to keep
Use these checks to record what you found. The grid supports a decision; it does not make one for you.
| Check | What to examine | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Question | Concepts and population | Define the scope |
| Study | Type, date and identifier | Record the publication |
| Method | Sample, measurement and limits | Read beyond the abstract |
| Selection | Included and excluded evidence | Document the criteria |
Free, no sign-up. UTF-8 text with semicolon-separated columns.
What to check
Do not select only favourable results.
Cite publications actually examined.
Keep discovery and evidence appraisal separate.
Common questions
Can I cite the tool’s result alone?
Use the publications you actually examined as evidence.
How can I reduce selection bias?
Search for contrary findings and document inclusion criteria before choosing a conclusion.
Sources and documentation
Documentation consulted on . Examples are illustrative; interfaces and results may change.
Reference record for this resource
Identify the publisher, official destination and practical checks before using the service.
Read the Consensus record →