Conducting a Literature Review

Critical Appraisal is the systematic evaluation of research papers to see if they address a focused question, use a valid methodology, and have essential results applicable to the researcher's question.  

Question frameworks assist with planning the strategy for a critical appraisal, such as a literature review.

• PICO(T) and its variations are a typically used question framework in the biomedical sciences; other disciplines may need to measure different variables. 
• For social sciences and humanities research, e.g. Education or Business, researchers may find SPiDER and SPICE helpful in framing questions and generating keywords.

Question Frameworks can help develop a search plan. Using a framework such as PICO(T), SPIDER or SPICE

• clarifies the searchable elements in a research statement.
• focuses on the question, protocol/project/scope and search strategy.
• assists with developing keywords and synonyms to search.
• identifies inclusion and exclusion criteria, e.g. seniors, peer-reviewed, age.