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Introduction to Health Sciences Research

Evaluating Information (RADAR)

RADAR is a framework that provides questions/concepts to reflect on when selecting information for your research projects. As you review your research, consider RADAR and reflect on the questions asked within each aspect of the framework:

  • Rationale: Why does the information exist? Are different viewpoints incorporated? Is evidence used?
  • Authority: What are the author's credentials and qualifications? What do we know about the author's expertise?
  • Date: When was the information published? Is recent information required for your research, or will older sources work as well?
  • Accuracy: Is the information accurate? Are references cited? Do other sources support the research? Can the research be replicated?
  • Relevance: Does the information answer your research question? Does it fit your needs? 
  • Find out more about RADAR

The Evidence Pyramid

The Evidence Pyramid is designed to show both the strength of evidence from different types of documents, and the relative quantity of those documents available. For example, individual research studies are at the bottom of the pyramid because they exist in the largest numbers but provide the weakest evidence because each study only represents a small number of participants in a very specific context. Practice Guidelines are near the top of the pyramid because they are fewer in number, but provide the strongest evidence due to being based on an analysis of all the evidence from lower levels of the pyramid.

The evidence pyramidPyramid image adapted from https://guides.lib.umich.edu/nursing/evidence

Systems = An ideal that does not yet exist

Summaries = Practice Guidelines developed by analysing evidence from lower in the pyramid (usually systematic reviews and Randomised Controlled Trials)

Synopses = Summaries of systematic reviews

Syntheses = Systematic Reviews (a comprehensive summary of all the research relating to a specific research question)

Studies = Primary research (this includes case reports, case control studies, cohort studies, randomised controlled trials, etc.)