Did the review include quantitative studies, qualitative studies, or both?

Before thinking about what data was taken from the studies in the review, it is helpful to work out whether the review included quantitative studies or qualitative studies.

• Quantiative research uses numbers and statistical analysis to measure things about the world
• Qualitative research generally uses words and other non-numerical data to describe people's experiences, beliefs and behaviours

Qualitative and quantative evidence can be used to address different kinds of research questions. Some systematic reviews include both qualitative and quantitative studies. If the review does not mention qualitative research, it is likely that it only includes quantitative research.

The abstract or methods sections of the paper should describe whether the review included quantitative studies, qualitative studies, or both.