Table 2

Thick and thin criteria Higginbottom et al 33

RichnessOperational definition
Thick papers
  • Offer greater explanatory insights into the outcome of interest.

  • Provide a clear account of the process by which the findings were produced—including the sample, its selection and its size, with any limitations or bias noted—along with clear methods of analysis.

  • Present a developed and plausible interpretation of the analysis based on the data presented.

Thin papers
  • Offer only limited insights.

  • Lack a clear account of the process by which the findings were produced.

  • Present an underdeveloped and weak interpretation of the analysis based on the data presented.