CEE recommended online training for introduction to evidence synthesis

For details of free online introductory training please click here

CEE Training Workshops

CEE Introductory level workshops

These are one-day events aimed at a wide audience, ranging from review commissioners, stakeholders, potential authors to anyone interested in finding out more about the methodology, purpose and uses of evidence syntheses in environmental management. This workshop aims to provide an understanding of the main steps required to conduct a CEE-standard evidence synthesis from the importance of question formulation to the various possible outputs (maps, narrative synthesis, quantitative synthesis) and how to register an evidence synthesis with CEE.

CEE evidence synthesis methodology workshops

Intermediate level

These workshops are composed of various modules which can constitute a multi-day package or can be delivered separately, upon request.

Module 1 – The CEE process, question setting and protocol

This module introduces the historical context and the rationale behind evidence syntheses. It will address the question of ‘when is a evidence synthesis appropriate?’ and will provide an overview of the stages in the evidence synthesis process. Participants will understand the importance of setting an appropriate question and will engage in an exercise in question formulation. The range of question types that can be addressed using evidence synthesis will be explored. The roles of the protocol and scoping study will be covered in this module. The role of the CEE in providing quality assurance, support and the process of submissions to the Environmental Evidence journal will be explained. The potential for publication of the outcomes of evidence syntheses in peer-reviewed journals will be discussed.

Module 2 – Searching and inclusion criteria

This module will demonstrate to participants the importance of prior planning and scoping in the construction of an efficient search strategy. The use of PICO (or other) terms, Boolean operators and the need to consider the different searching algorithms of search operators will be discussed. Participants will become familiar with the design of appropriate inclusion criteria and the factors to consider when selecting inclusion criteria (transparency, repeatability, reviewer bias etc.). Throughout this module, examples and exercises will be used to demonstrate the principles covered.

Module 3 – Critical appraisal

The module covers the importance of critical appraisal and how to conduct critical appraisal within a SR, including the sources to bias to consider, internal and external validity, study design and reporting quality. This module illustrates how to formalise this assessment and how to make it transparent and repeatable. Options for dealing with studies of differing quality will also be explored.

Module 4 – Data handling, evidence synthesis and consolidation

The module covers how to extract data from individual studies; what decisions need to be made when extracting complex ecological/environmental data. The options for synthesis of studies’ data is explained, i.e. systematic mapping, narrative and quantitative synthesis and when these are appropriate is discussed. The basics of these methods of synthesis is covered including how to calculate an effect size from quantitative data, understanding differences in the variance between studies and an overview of the application of meta-analysis techniques.

Advanced level

Advanced modules may be delivered in collaboration with the CEE Training Team and cover specialised topics such as meta-analysis, systematic mapping, search strategies, and more.

Please contact us for more information at info@environmentalevidence.org.

Who runs the CEE workshops?

CEE Centres can be commissioned to run training workshops by contacting us at info@environmentalevidence.org.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the CEE Training network and in delivering CEE endorsed training workshops, please contact us at info@environmentalevidence.org.

The Requirements and Operation of the the Endorsement Scheme for CEE Systematic Review Training Courses provides information on the CEE training endorsement scheme.

Who can attend the workshops?

Our training is primarily aimed at those who wish to conduct a CEE evidence syntheses who might be environmental consultants, advisors, project managers, academic scientists or others, but the workshops are also useful for those who are likely to use CEE evidence syntheses e.g. potential funders, commissioners and policy advisors.

Costs

Workshops may either be advertised as ‘open’ or may be commissioned. The cost of workshops varies according to the type of training required, please contact us for an estimate for a workshop tailored to your requirements: info@environmentalevidence.org.

Host a workshop

If you wish to commission a workshop for your organisation group, but are willing to allow external participants to join, then this can reduce the cost. Please contact us to enquire: info@environmentalevidence.org