Additional Research Needed!As of May 1, 2015, the EAL has published 40 systematic reviews with over 1,100 conclusion statements based on nearly 5,700 analyzed research articles. Unfortunately, nearly 250 of the conclusion statements received a Grade V. This means that a grade is not assignable because there is no evidence available that directly supports or refutes the conclusion. This indicates that additional research is needed!
If you are looking for a research project for yourself and/or your students, consider one of the many Grade V evidence analysis questions. Remember that these questions did not have adequate evidence at the time the EAL project was completed and gaps could have been filled since that date. After selecting a question of interest we suggest a literature review to identify what recent work has been done in this area.
Different research methods are required to answer different questions. To consider what methods might be most appropriate for the Grade V question you are interested in, consider reviewing Understanding the Basics of Research - An Online Toolkit. The toolkit, free for Academy members; US$20.00 for non-members, is available from the eatright shop.
The Dietetics Practice-Based Research Network, or DPBRN, has a comprehensive list of research resources. We encourage Academy members to identify a research mentor. For tips on using the Academy's e-mentoring program to locate a mentor, visit DPBRN section of the Academy's website.
To view these questions, log into the EAL and follow these steps:
- Step 1: Select a topic and click Grade Chart from the left navigation tab
- Step 2: Click the Grade V section of the pie chart
- Step 3: A list of questions that were given a Grade V will populate - Select a question for available information