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Reducing Bias

Methods for reducing bias and error (Littell, n.d.):

Develop and publish a protocol before beginning the review

Create explicitly eligibility criteria

Use a variety of search terms and databases to find studies potentially eligible for inclusion

Search for grey literature

Request missing data from primary study authors

Use structured screening, data extraction, and coding forms

Conduct screening, extraction, and coding in duplicate and resolve discrepancies

Assess risk of bias including risks of publication bias and reporting bias

Use meta-analysis if possible (if 2 or more studies provide quantitative data on parallel constructs)

Document methods and decisions in sufficient detail for replication