On this page you'll find tools to help you critically evaluate the articles you find. While you're the only one who can determine if an article is relevant to your research question, these scales, checklists, and review tools can help you decided if the research is internally valid, the results interpretable, and how applicable the results are to your work.
The flow diagram depicts the flow of information through the different phases of a systematic review. It maps out the number of records identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusions. Different templates are available depending on the type of review (new or updated) and sources used to identify studies.
The PEDro scale was developed to help PEDro users rapidly identify trials that are likely to be internally valid and have sufficient statistical information to guide clinical decision-making. Each trial report is given a total PEDro score, which ranges from 0 to 10. Consider using the following scale to determine the internal and external validity, and if the results are interpretable:
Building on work within a project exploring the feasibility of undertaking systematic reviews of research literature on effectiveness and outcomes in social care, a set of evaluation tools have been developed to assist in the critical appraisal of research studies. Consider using the following when examining research:
What is the Matrix Method?
The Matrix Method is an organizational system that guides you through the literature review process from start to finish, outlined in the book Health Sciences Literature Review Made Easy by Judith Garrard (see citation below). It is “intended to teach you how to read a paper, organize the review using the Matrix Method, analyze it, and create a narrative synthesis” (p. 31).
How can I access Garrard’s book?
Garrard, J. (2017). Health sciences literature review made easy: The matrix method. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
Health Sciences Literature Review Made Easy by Health Sciences Literature Review Made Easy by 
