Content
- ANA Framework for how to read and critique a research studyFrom the American Nurses Association, a one-page list of considerations for evaluating a research article.
- Evaluating the Validity of a Therapy StudyFrom Duke University library, a set of considerations for evaluating the validity of a therapy study.
- Evaluating the Validity of a Diagnostic Test StudyFrom Duke University's library, a set of considerations for evaluating the validity of a diagnostic test study.
Quality of Evidence
The quality of evidence you find in your research varies based on the nature of its source. The pyramid to the right illustrates this hierarchy, starting at the bottom and improving in quality as it moves from bottom to top. Here is a guide to the levels:
Level I: Evidence from a systematic review or meta-analysis of all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or evidence-based clinical practice guidelines based on systematic reviews of RCTs
Level II: Evidence obtained from at least one well-designed RCT
Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization
Level IV: Evidence from well-designed case-control and cohort studies
Level V: Evidence from systematic reviews of descriptive and qualitative studies
Level VI: Evidence from a single descriptive or qualitative study
Level VII: Evidence from the opinion of authorities and/or reports of expert committees
Melnyk, BM, & Fineout-Overholt, E: (2011). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Levels of Evidence
