- Build a guideline/version/evidence matrix with non-applicability reasons.
Reporting is not methodological certification
A checklist helps prevent omissions but cannot repair an invalid study. Read it during planning and record where each applicable item is addressed. A tick without supporting information is not transparent reporting.
Match design and version
Review PRISMA 2020 for systematic reviews, CONSORT for randomized trial reports and SPIRIT for related protocols. Official sources include the 2025 CONSORT and SPIRIT updates. Use EQUATOR to locate suitable guidance for observational, qualitative, diagnostic and other designs.
Check extensions and scope
Cluster, pilot and specialized studies may require extensions. A familiar acronym is insufficient. COREQ targets interviews and focus groups rather than every qualitative method.
Use a coverage table
Record the item, manuscript location and status or explanation. Explain inapplicable items; add design-appropriate flow diagrams, protocols, search strategies and supplements. Reconcile their counts with the reported sample.
Prepare for submission
Keep the version, access date, completed checklist and journal requirements. Manage differences when a journal specifies another version. Authors must ensure tables and declarations reflect what was actually done.
Practical research checklist
- Match guidance to the design.
- Select the appropriate version and extension.
- Provide locations or non-applicability reasons.
- Reconcile checklists, diagrams and manuscript.
Worked case and implementation decisions
The following is a fictional teaching case. Do not use its numbers or wording as actual study findings.
Start with the study type: a trial report, protocol, review and qualitative interview study have different needs. Map each applicable item to evidence in text or appendices and label incomplete or non-applicable items with reasons. A standard name without a version, or several unrelated checklists, adds little. Separate guides cover CONSORT/SPIRIT 2025 and PRISMA-LSR 2024. Recheck official listings, explanatory documents and outlet rules before submission.
| Stage | Teaching example | Verification question |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Actual study type | Is guidance applicable? |
| Version | Specific year and extension | Is official status checked? |
| Item | Evidence in section/appendix | More than an unsupported tick? |
| Gap | Explanation and correction | Is design deficiency disclosed? |
| Submission | Matrix and outlet requirement | Does the final version match? |
Exercise output: Build a guideline/version/evidence matrix with non-applicability reasons.
Sources and further reading
Official sources for verification and further reading