Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/68175
RESEARCHING THE RESEARCH Investigating Citations for Best Available Evidence In scientific literature, a primary source of information is the original publication of a scientist's new data, results, and theories. As we become more research literate, we recognize and even come to expect citations in articles of our professional magazines and throughout textbooks and teaching materials. We may go so far as to scan the references at the end to make sure the sourced information is current by checking the publication date. Rarely do we explore the references further, trusting that the author practiced due diligence in selecting sources that represent the best available evidence. But what if the author found a convenient reference that supported the theory he or she is presenting, but it came from a third-hand source and the overarching evidence is to the contrary? It is time to take an active approach and scrutinize the references our authors and educators are using. I postulate that if all professional articles and educational materials cite quality references, the caliber of massage education and our body of knowledge will improve. Outdated theories may finally fall by the wayside. In turn, we will get more evidence- based information, making it less challenging for us to offer evidence- informed massage and bodywork sessions to our clients. In the process of critically evaluating the citations, we hone our research literacy skills. In a previous column, we learned that all research is not created equally ("Levels of Evidence," March/April 2010, page 116). We can apply the same level of scrutiny to citations. Go beyond checking publication dates and investigate whether the information cited is someone's interpretation of research results or a direct reporting of the research. If the source is an indirect quote, find the original study and check the accuracy of the quote and level of evidence of the original data. See if the data reflects the prevailing theories, has been cited in other research, and has been replicated in future studies. It is time to take a closer look at the citations of our professional articles and textbooks and uncover the story behind the authors' statements. WHAT MAKES A GOOD REFERENCE? There are three data points to investigate when scrutinizing citations that help determine if the quoted information comes from a reputable source: • Is the reference a primary, secondary, or tertiary source of information? • What level of evidence is the information based on: a randomized control trial, a case report, or something in between? • Was there due diligence in investigating whether the data is representative of the best available evidence? connect with your colleagues on massageprofessionals.com 117