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1 year ago in Literature Review , Manuscript By Girish

Describe the process of pilot-testing your inclusion/exclusion criteria on a sample of abstracts and full texts. Why is this a critical step before beginning the formal screening?

Explain the process of pilot-testing your inclusion and exclusion criteria on a sample of abstracts and full texts, and why this step is essential before starting the formal screening.

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By Ankur Answered 1 year ago

Pilot-testing involves two reviewers independently applying the criteria to a random sample of ~50 abstracts and ~10 full texts. They then compare decisions, discuss discrepancies, and refine the criteria definitions for clarity. This critical step ensures consistent interpretation between reviewers, reduces screening bias, and prevents major protocol revisions mid-process, safeguarding the review's rigor.  

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