Key words used in the search were: tool, critical appraisal, critical appraisal review, appraisal of methodology, appraisal of research methodology, research design review, quality assessment, methodological quality tool, RoB (tool), randomized (randomised) controlled trial, and RCT.
Each model was briefly described, and studies were critiqued according to methodology, research design, and basis upon which authors provided support or rejection of a model.
The reviewed literature was structured using the following categories: year, journal, research methodology, research design, operation research (OR)/mathematical tools and techniques, data analysis technique, industry sector, multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), authors, universities, country, enablers, and barriers.
This tool assesses the appropriateness of the methodology, research design, recruitment strategy, data collection and analysis, and influence of the relationship or bias of the researcher (see Additional file 3).
This tool assesses the clarity of study objectives, the quality of the methodology, research design, data collection and analyses, ethical considerations, whether there is a clear statement of findings and the value of the research.
Section Research methodology describes the research design and methodology.
For comparative purposes, however, the surveys should be aligned with regard to the overall methodology and research design.
Incorporating this under-utilised methodology and research design in future studies could help develop public health and geographical research.
Sections 3 and 4 offer a description and explains the methodology and research design used in this study.
While literature dealing with research methodologies and research design may assist to some degree, it cannot provide a clear pathway or template as each research project must respond to a unique set of circumstances.
Although this study was limited to an engineering context, the case-based methodologies and research design seem well-suited for use in action research in other disciplines.
