Algorithm for Classifying the Study Design of Primary Studies

The best available research evidence to answer your public health question may come in the form of primary studies. It is important to know what type of study you are reading to be able to appraise its quality and understand its strengths and weaknesses when applying its results to your context.

Different types of questions are best answered by different types of study designs, but sometimes it can be tricky to determine the type of design the researcher used. This interactive tool, adapted from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Manual, will take you through a step-by-step process for classifying the study design of primary studies.