How to Screen and Judge the Scientific Literature

By Dr. Miriam Sonntag from the PAN Academy – our online learning platform where you can learn all about nutrition science. Do you want to know more about this topic? Check out Module 3 “Evaluation of Nutrition Studies” where we go into many more details about how to navigate the world of science literature.  

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Planning your search

No one can read all the books, articles, and other printed material related to a given area of nutrition science. You need to be selective. Not everything written about your questions is relevant to you. 

You need to discriminate between relevant and irrelevant information as efficiently as possible. A deliberate, well-organized approach can save you much time and energy. 

But how do you get started? Take a look at our six practical tips on how to plan your search into the scientific literature on nutrition studies.

Is the paper worth reading?

There is plenty of information available on any subject. Here is how to skim each paper to determine whether it’s worth your time.

Evaluating the literature

It is often difficult to be selective. Here are six questions that help you to judge the credibility and relevance of each paper.

We hope you learned some useful tips to conduct any literature review.

For more information on this topic, have a look at PAN Academy Module 3. It’s all about evaluating nutrition studies.

For the definitions of important terms, go to our Glossary.

Making better physicians

Ready to improve your nutrition knowledge?

Sign up for the PAN Academy and take our free online courses on nutrition science.

Find out more

Mini Modules on Diet-Related Diseases

This series of short modules addresses common diet-related diseases such as heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Learn the causes and which patients are at risk, and find out practical solutions to managing these diseases through whole food, plant-based eating.

Making better physicians

Ready to improve your nutrition knowledge?

Sign up to the PAN Academy and take our free online courses on nutrition science.

Start learning for free!

Mini Modules on Diet-Related Diseases

This series of short modules addresses common diet-related diseases such as heart disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Learn the causes and which patients are at risk, and find out practical solutions to managing these diseases through whole food, plant-based eating.

 

References List:

  1. Hart C. Doing a Literature Search. A Comprehensive Guide for Social Science. London: Sage Publications; 2001.
  2. McCombes, S. (2023, January 02). How to Write a Literature Review | Guide, Examples, & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved March 8, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/

 

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Author

Dr. Miriam Sonntag

Dr Miriam Sonntag is the Medical Content Executive of the online learning platform, PAN Academy. Having worked in basic research, she knows how to decipher complex information. Working now at PAN, she scans and pours over scientific papers and books. She breaks down the latest nutritional research into actionable advice for everyday life. She is committed to sharing the bigger picture of why it is good to put more plants on your plate.

More info about the PAN Academy

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