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The WritersScribe Journal

Methodology notes, from our own team.

Practical, specific guidance from our methodologists and consultants, not general advice you could find anywhere.

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Researcher reviewing a systematic review protocol and PROSPERO registration notes
Systematic Reviews

How to Write a Systematic Review Protocol (Step-by-Step)

A protocol written before you start screening is what separates a defensible systematic review from one that draws reviewer objections. Here is how to build one properly.

Sep 2026 · 2 min read · By Dr. Amara Chen

Journal articles and citation cards arranged for literature synthesis
Literature Review

APA Annotated Bibliography: A Complete Guide

An APA annotated bibliography is often the first structured writing task researchers do before starting a full literature review, and it is also one of the most useful preparatory tools for building...

Sep 2026 · 3 min read · By James Okafor

Journal articles and citation cards arranged for literature synthesis
Literature Review

How to Write a Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to write a literature review means understanding it's not the same task as summarizing a stack of articles one after another. A strong literature review synthesizes, meaning it connects...

Sep 2026 · 9 min read · By Dr. Lauren Ito

Research papers and citation cards arranged for literature synthesis
Systematic Reviews

How Much Does a Systematic Review Cost? A Realistic Breakdown

A realistic, stage-by-stage breakdown of what drives systematic review costs, whether you're doing the work in-house or bringing in outside support.

Aug 2026 · 8 min read · By James Okafor

Research papers and citation cards arranged for literature synthesis
Systematic Reviews

Covidence vs Rayyan: An Honest Screening Tool Comparison

An honest comparison of Covidence and Rayyan for systematic review screening, covering cost, features, and which fits different review teams.

Aug 2026 · 3 min read · By Dr. Priya Nair

Research papers and citation cards arranged for literature synthesis
Systematic Reviews

How to Write a Systematic Review Methods Section

A practical guide to writing a systematic review methods section, covering every PRISMA-required subsection with guidance on what to include.

Aug 2026 · 3 min read · By James Okafor

Forest plot charts and statistical notes arranged on a research desk
Meta-Analysis

Effect Size Types in Meta-Analysis Explained

A plain-language explanation of the main effect size types used in meta-analysis, including odds ratio, risk ratio, and mean difference, and when to use each.

Aug 2026 · 8 min read · By Dr. Samuel Osei

Researcher drafting a publication-ready systematic review manuscript
Reporting Standards

PRISMA-P: Reporting Guideline for Systematic Review Protocols

What PRISMA-P is, how it differs from PRISMA 2020, and a walkthrough of its checklist for reporting systematic review protocols.

Aug 2026 · 3 min read · By James Okafor

Structured risk-of-bias assessment table beside research papers
Quality Appraisal

GRADE-CERQual for Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

A practical guide to GRADE-CERQual, the framework for assessing confidence in findings from qualitative evidence synthesis, with all four components explained.

Aug 2026 · 3 min read · By Dr. Elena Kowalski

Structured risk-of-bias assessment table beside research papers
Quality Appraisal

AMSTAR-2: Appraising the Quality of Systematic Reviews

A practical guide to AMSTAR-2, the tool for appraising the methodological quality of systematic reviews, with its 16 items and 7 critical domains explained.

Aug 2026 · 3 min read · By Dr. Lauren Ito

Structured risk-of-bias assessment table beside research papers
Quality Appraisal

Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort and Case-Control Studies

A practical guide to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for appraising cohort and case-control studies in a systematic review, with each domain explained.

Aug 2026 · 3 min read · By Dr. Amara Chen

Researchers independently screening study abstracts and evidence records
Systematic Reviews

Rapid Review vs Systematic Review vs Scoping Review: How to Choose

A decision guide to help you choose between a rapid review, a systematic review, and a scoping review based on your question and timeline.

Aug 2026 · 8 min read · By Dr. Priya Nair

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