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Special circumstance | Text similarity expected? |
Similar methods sections | Yes, Cochrane Reviews can be expected to have a high percentage of overlap in the methods section because of standardized methods. This is unlikely to cause concern unless text is copied verbatim and without correct citation |
Cochrane Review Group-specific template used for text in one or more sections | Yes, if an author uses a Cochrane Review Group template for one or more sections (e.g. background, methods), and states that a template has been used, a high percentage of overlap would be expected and should not cause concern See ‘Use of text templates’ below for details |
Protocol to review, review to update, etc. | Yes, a high percentage of overlap would be expected between certain sections of these versions (e.g. background, methods) and should not cause concern |
Generic protocol | Yes, a high percentage of overlap would be expected between certain sections of the protocol and the reviews that follow the protocol (e.g. background, methods). This should not cause concern, but it should be clear to the reader that the same text is used across a series of linked reviews |
Split and merged reviews | Yes, some overlap would be expected between the different reviews. This should not cause concern, but it should be clear to the reader that the same text is used across a series of linked reviews |
Similarities with published studies (e.g. trials described in the characteristics tables/risk of bias tables) | Yes, some overlap would be accepted here. Authors should follow the guidance (see ‘Avoiding plagiarism’) to avoid the possibility of plagiarism |
Co-publication of a Cochrane Review (including Protocol and Updates) or republication in official Cochrane journals or derivative products | Yes, a high level of overlap would be expected. This should not cause concern as long as the co-publication was agreed according to the policy |
A non-Cochrane systematic review is converted to a Cochrane Review | Yes, a high level of overlap may be expected. This should not cause concern as long as the co-publication was agreed according to the policy |
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