Crtiical Appraisal
The following are points to consider when conducting a critical appraisal.
- Assess risk of bias
- Assess the validity of the study
- Is the journal article published in a peer reviewed journal
- Watch for predatory journals
- Is the methodology valid?
What is Risk of Bias?
Risk of Bias
- Systematic error or deviation from the truth
- Different types of Bias: Detection, Perception, Selection, etc.
- Detection Bias - May overestimate or underestimate the size of the effect
- Perception Bias - Researchers can make assumptions about their research subjects
- Selection Bias - Occurs when participants in the study differ systematically from the population of interest
- Catalogue of Bias - An annotated catalogue of types of bias in research
How do you ensure that there is no risk of bias?
- Risk of Bias Tools
- Use at least two reviewers