Architecture of the Tool

We structured the tool as a computer program that codifies current understanding of the variation in review types into a simple expert system. We outline the architecture below.

The INPUTS are stratified according to whether users wish to synthesize findings from quantitative or qualitative studies. For reviews of quantitative studies, users are required to complete five questions and 10 questions for reviews of qualitative studies.

The INFERENCE ENGINE, informed by the KNOWLEDGE BASE, matches the inputs to attributes of the 41 included KS to select the recommended method(s). The tool then presents the OUTPUTS as suggested method(s) to users.