Section 2: Sources of Evidence

Learning outcomes

Section 2 describes the difference between information and evidence. Various sources of information are described in terms of their uses and limitations. This section examines the differences between primary and secondary forms of evidence, and when to use these forms of evidence. Where to locate them is covered in Section 3. Levels of evidence are discussed in relation to the strength and reliability of research studies.

By the end of this section you will be able to:

• Differentiate between information and evidence
• Define forms of secondary and primary evidence
• Rank types of evidence in terms of quality in the ‘evidence hierarchy’
• Determine the most appropriate source of information for a given need