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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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