Understanding Research Study Designs (University of Minnesota) offers an overview of the common types of research study designs, including:
PRISMA or Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses is an evidence-based protocol for reporting information in systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
The CASP International Network (CASPin) is an international collaboration which supports the teaching and learning of critical appraisal skills, and in particular helps other people set up sustainable training programmes. Appraisal tools are available for:
Systematic reviews
Randomised controlled trials
Qualitative research studies
Economic evaluation studies
Cohort studies
Case control studies
Diagnostic test studies
Systematic Review Critical Appraisal Sheet
Diagnostic Critical Appraisal Sheet
RCT Critical Appraisal Sheet
Prognosis Critical Appraisal Sheet
PICO Critical Appraisal Sheet (PDF)
PICO Critical Appraisal Sheet (MS-Word)
Educational Prescription Critical Appraisal Sheet (PDF)
Registry of appraisal and evaluation tools for:
Program planning (23)
Policy development (8)
Communication (17)
Capacity (individual, organizational, system) (17)
Partnerships (15)
Networks (17)
Equity (2)
KT theories (9)
Preferred Reporting Items for:
Systematic Reviews
Meta-Analyses
The complete set of Users' Guides, originally published as a series in JAMA.
Fundamental tools for understanding and applying the medical literature and making clinical diagnoses.
Appraising an article, a report, a protocol, a printed recommendation, etc. begins as you look at the document and evaluate the methodology and source of the research.