Medical Sciences Library
When evaluating research articles, the following general criteria applies.
Lateral reading is a strategy used to evaluate the credibility of a source by leaving the page you're on and checking what other sources say about it. Instead of staying within one article or website, you open new tabs to investigate the author, organization, or claims being made.
When evaluating quantitative research, pay particular attention to:
When evaluating qualitative research, pay particular attention to:
These resources can help you evaluate research according to the principles of evidence-based practice.
How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine and Healthcare
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To synthesize articles in a literature review means to go beyond simply summarizing each source. Instead, it involves weaving together insights from multiple studies to create a cohesive understanding of the topic.
| Synthesis is: | Synthesis is NOT: |
| Combining ideas. | A list of article summaries. |
| Building connections. | A chronological report of who said what. |
| Creating a narrative. | A simple description of each study’s findings. |
Instead of writing:
Smith (2020) found that nursing students benefit from simulation labs. Jones (2021) found that simulation labs improve clinical confidence. Lee (2022) found that simulation labs are cost-effective.
You synthesize like this:
Across multiple studies (Smith, 2020; Jones, 2021; Lee, 2022), simulation labs emerge as a valuable tool in nursing education. They not only enhance clinical confidence but also offer cost-effective training solutions, suggesting a growing consensus on their pedagogical value.
Group by themes, not by source.
Organize sources by publication date to show how research has evolved. For example, you might trace the development of infection control practices from the 1950s to today. Use this method only if the timeline reveals meaningful changes.
Group sources by historical or thematic periods. For instance, a review on nursing education could be divided into eras: pre-licensure training (1900–1950), diploma programs (1950–1980), and modern BSN/graduate programs (1980–present).
Focus on specific themes like “burnout in ICU nurses” or “telehealth in rural communities.” Each section explores a different aspect (e.g., causes, interventions, outcomes), possibly pulling from multiple time periods.
Organize by research methods or perspectives. For example, compare qualitative studies on patient experiences with quantitative studies measuring outcomes of nurse-led interventions. Or group studies by geographic focus—U.S., Canada, and global health contexts.
Tool based strategies for synthesizing literature
| Source | Purpose of Study | Population/Setting | Key Findings | Methodology | Themes/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith et al. (2021) | Examine causes of burnout in ICU nurses | ICU nurses in urban hospitals | High workload and emotional stress are major contributors | Qualitative interviews | Emotional exhaustion, staffing issues |
| Lee & Gomez (2020) | Evaluate impact of mindfulness training | Nurses in acute care units | Mindfulness reduced burnout symptoms | RCT | Intervention effectiveness |
AI tools are not a substitute for reading the articles yourself.
Use them to help organize your thoughts, generate summaries, and identify themes—but always verify information directly from the original sources.
AI can still produce errors or “hallucinate,” even when working with uploaded PDFs.
Always cross-check key details, quotes, and findings with the actual article to ensure accuracy.
Protect your data and respect copyright.
Do not upload PDFs to unsecured or public AI platforms. Use TAMU’s licensed NotebookLM to ensure your materials are handled safely and legally.
Sample prompt.
Organize these articles into five key concepts under the domain of organizational leadership that impact staff training or resource development for health professionals. Each concept should be supported by direct quotes from the articles and include AMA citations so I can clearly see which article(s) support which concept. Only include concepts that are directly supported by data or evidence from the articles.