methods

Question 1

randomised control trials (RCT)

Answer 1

to evaluate interventions (used to change thoughts, feelings, or behaviours to improve societal outcomes)
randomly allocate to intervention or control group
standardised guidelines for findings - can be replicated and used in policy/practice

Question 2

reviews - what are they and 3 types of review

Answer 2

collation of multiple studies on same topic to find main findings - can weigh up evidence etc.

narrative
systematic
meta analysis

Question 3

narrative review

Answer 3

overview of current knowledge on a topic
intro then subheadings for different themes/areas
researcher’s judgement on what studies they include (can be issue)
no new analysis
like an essay

Question 4

systematic review

Answer 4

well defined and precise research question
intro, methods, results, discussion
inclusion and exclusion criteria and clearly defined search for articles that could be reproduced
assess validity of reviewed research and interpretate results included
no new analysis

Question 5

meta analysis

Answer 5

same as systematic but quantifies overall effect found across all studies
assesses magnitude of effect from all studies
strongest and most reliable evidence of the types of review

Question 6

CONSORT - guidelines

Answer 6

Consolidated standards of reporting trials

Allows for replication and use in policy