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Evidence Synthesis

This guide provides an introduction to evidence synthesis as it is understood in evidence-based practice. clinical research and healthcare policy arenas.

Levels of Evidence

Levels of Evidence Pyramid

Publication types are ranked in evidence pyramids based on the rigor of evidence provided by the research design.  The higher the study design is on the pyramid, the higher the level of evidence.  However, this also means there are fewer documents of this type.


High level evidence from the top of the pyramid is preferred, but not always available for all questions.  Remember that the type of question you are asking will help determine which types of studies would be most appropriate.


Check out the links below for more information of the different levels of evidence and research study designs.

 

Using evidence in writing

Before you can use evidence, you have to understand what evidence when writing a research paper, evidence-based practice paper or publication.  Let's look at some definitions and explanations of evidence in scholarly writing:

Evidence: https://writingcommons.org/evidence

Evidence: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/evidence/