PHD Discussions Logo

Ask, Learn and Accelerate in your PhD Research

Question Icon Post Your Answer

Question Icon

Do the results directly and completely answer the stated review objectives?

I've spent months deep in the data and analysis.
Now, I need to take a step back and perform a rigorous check for coherence.
This is about ensuring the intellectual integrity and completeness of the work, so it doesn't leave obvious questions unanswered.

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Rutuja M Answered 2 years ago

Yes, this is the fundamental measure of a successful scoping review. The results section must provide a direct, point-by-point response to each objective stated in the introduction. There should be a clear, logical thread from the PCC-defined questions to the presented findings on volume, nature, and characteristics of the evidence. Any objective left unaddressed or only partially answered represents a significant flaw in the manuscript's coherence and completeness.
 

By DavidMal Answered 2 years ago

This final self-audit is what separates publishable work. I recommend a direct, literal mapping. Create a simple table: list each objective from your introduction in one column. In the next, note the specific results subsection, figure, or table that answers it. For any objective where you can't pinpoint a direct answer, you have a gap. It might require refining the results narrative or, in rare cases, acknowledging a limitation. I have seen this simple exercise salvage reviews by forcing explicit alignment, which is exactly what examiners and editors look for.

 

Your Answer