Research Skills Website

In a researcher’s toolkit, the randomized controlled trial (RCT) is one of the best ways to produce valid evidence on the effectiveness of interventions, from prevention programs to treatment options. According to the established hierarchy of evidence, the most valid evidence from original research comes from RCTs, followed by cohort studies and then case control studies (see At Work, Fall 2005: www.iwh.on.ca/wrmb/cohort-studies-case-control-studies-and-rcts).

Here’s how RCTs work. Study participants are deemed eligible through a recruitment process that involves specific criteria for inclusion and an informed consent process.

Start thinking critically

• Understanding and critiquing qualitative research papers
• Understanding and critiquing quantitative research papers
• Guide to critical, analytical thinking
• Critical writing - useful phrases

A General Guide for Postgraduate Research Students

There is no one single correct method to writing a literature review. Therefore, this resource is a guide only. Check with your supervisor/lecturer/school to ascertain whether there are any specific requirements for your literature review before proceeding.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is an examination of the research that has been conducted in a particular field of study. Hart (1998) defines it as:

Consortium for Healthcare Informatics Research (CHIR) - The Consortium for Healthcare Informatics Research (CHIR) is a multi-disciplinary group of collaborating investigators affiliated with VA sites from across the US. The mission of CHIR is to improve the health of Veterans through foundational and applied informatics research. The primary purpose of CHIR is to advance the effective use of unstructured text and other types of clinical data in the electronic health record using natural language processing and other cutting edge technology. This series of cyber seminars highlights the tools, methods, and results of multiple CHIR research projects.