Research can be conducted in many different ways. Consensus uses AI to classify papers by their study type or research method.
These classifications can help you understand how a study was conducted and filter your search results for the types of research most relevant to your question.
Study type categories in Consensus
Experimental
Experimental studies involve researchers testing an intervention, treatment, condition, or variable.
Observational
Observational studies examine subjects, experiences, events, or outcomes without necessarily assigning a randomized intervention.
Evidence Synthesis
Evidence syntheses review, summarize, or statistically combine findings from existing research.
Note: Study type information may not be available for every paper.
Understanding study type information
A study type can provide useful context about how research was conducted, but it does not determine the quality of an individual paper.
When reviewing research, consider:
Whether the study design matches the research question
How participants, cases, or data were selected
Whether the sample is appropriate and representative
How the researchers measured their outcomes
Whether the authors addressed potential bias and limitations
Each research method has its own strengths, limitations, and common uses. Understanding these differences can help you choose more relevant filters, evaluate papers in context, and gather evidence that is appropriate for your research question.
Study Types and the Hierarchy of Evidence
In some fields, particularly medicine and the health sciences, certain study designs are commonly organized using a hierarchy of evidence. For example, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials are often prioritized when evaluating the effects of treatments or interventions.
However, evidence hierarchies are not a universal ranking of research quality. The most appropriate study design depends on the research question, and many study types are better suited to questions that traditional evidence hierarchies were not designed to address.
Learn more about the Hierarchy of Evidence here.
Curious about our other filters?
Learn more about our Advanced Search Filters here.