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Is the study selection process (screening titles/abstracts, full texts) clearly described, including the number of reviewers and method for resolving disagreements?

When conducting our lab's scoping review, the most challenging phase was standardizing the title/abstract and full-text screening. Disagreements were frequent. I'm asking to understand the current best practices for documenting this process clearly, including the number of independent reviewers and how consensus was ultimately achieved.

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Payal G Answered 1 year ago

Yes. The manuscript must clearly detail the selection process: the number of reviewers screening titles/abstracts and full texts independently, and the explicit method for resolving disagreements (e.g., consensus discussion, third reviewer adjudication). This is essential for reproducibility and minimizing bias.
 

By Akshay R Answered 1 year ago

Absolutely. From my experience, a poorly described selection process is the fastest way for a review to lose credibility. I have seen excellent methodologies state, for example, "Two independent reviewers screened records, with conflicts resolved by a third senior researcher." This clarity is non-negotiable. I would recommend detailing each screening phase (title/abstract, full-text), the exact number of reviewers involved, and the specific, pre-defined protocol for resolving discrepancies. It transforms a subjective task into an auditable, rigorous procedure.

 

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