Critical evaluation of research articles

The peer review process is integral to the functioning of all scientific journals and plays a pivotal role in the publication of new scientific material.  The ‘‘invisible hand’’ of peer review is what is claimed to maintain the quality of refereed i.e. peer reviewed, journal literature

This is necessary so that you do not take what you read at face value but consider the work with a critical mind in order that you can decide on the value of the article. This empowers you to decide whether to change your practice based on what you have read or whether the work is a worth while study to base future research around. Critical evaluation is defined as‘‘ a systematic way of considering the truth fullness of a piece of research, the results and how relevant and applicable they are’’.

The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) has helped to develop an evidence-based approach in health and social care, working with local, national and international groups.

CASP aims to enable individuals to develop the skills to find and make sense of research evidence, helping them to put knowledge into practice.

• Systematic Reviews ^{(54 KB)    (Explaination Vidoe Download)}
  
• Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) ^{(58 KB)}
• Qualitative Research ^{(59 KB)}
• Economic Evaluation Studies^{(53 KB)}
• Cohort Studies^{(54 KB)}
• Case Control Studies ^{(67 KB)}
• Diagnostic Test Studies ^{(56 KB)}