Not only that...but at least have a basic understanding of the hierarchy of evidence. e.g. - a meta analyses of RCTs (randomized control trials in humans) is more persuasive than something like cell culture studies which investigate mechanisms. https://t.co/ecDhTwCx2p
A simple hierarchy of evidence for assessing the quality of trial design
Systematic reviews often, but not always, contain a meta-analysis of numerical data from the included studies. The methods used in a review must be reproducible and transparent.
Systematic Review. This is a review of the evidence on a clearly formulated question that uses systematic and explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant primary research.
Editorials, Expert Opinion, Background Information. This level of evidence includes articles in newspapers or other publications presenting the opinion of the author, or background texts, including textbooks, which provide a broad overview of a topic with a selected review of the scientific literature.
1) Strength of association (how strong is the association between the data?) 2) Consistency (will the same results be found if different people replicate the study at different times?) 3) Specificity (how specific is the association?) 4) Temporality (did the effect occur after the cause?) 5) Biological gradient (is there a correlation between the a
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