SLRSystematic Literature ReviewFrom Literature Discovery to Publication
Step 07 of 10

Screen and Select Studies

Apply the eligibility criteria consistently and document every inclusion decision.

Screen in two stages

  1. Pilot the criteria on a small shared sample.
  2. Screen titles and abstracts as Include, Exclude, or Unsure.
  3. Retrieve the full text for potentially eligible studies.
  4. Apply all criteria during full-text screening.
  5. Record one specific exclusion reason for every excluded full text.
  6. Resolve reviewer conflicts using the protocol.
  7. Update the PRISMA identification and selection counts.
Decision principle

When the abstract lacks enough information, retain the record for full-text review rather than excluding it prematurely.

Quality check

  • Criteria were applied in the predefined order.
  • Reviewers interpreted criteria consistently.
  • Full-text exclusion reasons are mutually clear.
  • All decisions and conflicts are traceable.
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