> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/get-started/core-concepts.md).

# Core Concepts

Understand the objects and terminology used in Nested Knowledge.

### The Mental Model In 30 Seconds

You create a *nest:* one workspace for one review. **AutoLit** is where you run the review.

You bring in *records*: everything your searches return, before you've decided what's relevant. You screen those records down to the studies that meet your criteria.

The studies you keep, you *tag.* In Nested Knowledge, tagging is how you capture data, not just label it, so your tags become the columns of your final dataset. If your review needs them, you also extract numeric data and appraise study quality.

When the building's done, you move from AutoLit to **Synthesis**, where you explore and build upon living, interactive outputs. You can grant Synthesis access to users without a Nested Knowledge account. All the way through, **Smart tools** speed up the work — but a person always makes the final call.

<figure><img src="https://305208404-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fxb7uNGATUgwQAjDVQRXG%2Fuploads%2FB0WZulXiCoHNDYqtOJPS%2Fgeneral%20workflow.png?alt=media&amp;token=b1a6c876-d8cc-4248-89b9-b2cc89b27ad8" alt="Diagram showing AutoLit workflow stages leading to Synthesis outputs."><figcaption><p>AutoLit workflow and Synthesis outputs.</p></figcaption></figure>

<details>

<summary>The <strong>AutoLit</strong> Workflow</summary>

| **Stage**                                                                                   | **What it does**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      | **AI assistance**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [**Search**](/review-workflow/literature-search.md)                                         | Build a structured search with [Search Exploration](/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/search-exploration.md), run [automatic and updatable searches](/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/automatic-search.md) on PubMed, or [import records](/review-workflow/literature-search/add-search/import-search-files.md) from other indices.                  | [Smart Search](/review-workflow/literature-search/ai-tools-in-search/smart-search.md)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| [**Screen**](/review-workflow/screening.md)                                                 | <p>Create a set of yes/no criteria via <a href="/review-workflow/screening/criteria-based-screening.md">Criteria-based Screening.</a><br>OR<br>Configure exclusion reasons and include/exclude studies via <a href="/review-workflow/screening/exclusion-based-screening.md">Exclusion-based Screening.</a></p>                                                                       | <p><a href="/review-workflow/screening/criteria-based-screening/smart-config-screening.md">Smart Config: Screening</a>, <a href="/review-workflow/screening/criteria-based-screening/smart-screener.md">Smart Screener</a><br>OR<br><a href="/review-workflow/screening/exclusion-based-screening/screening-model.md">Screening Model</a>, <a href="/review-workflow/screening/exclusion-based-screening/robot-screener.md">Robot Screener</a></p> |
| [**Tag**](/review-workflow/tagging.md)                                                      | Build a [tag hierarchy](/review-workflow/tagging/configure-tagging.md) of concepts, or import an [organisational template](/account-management/organization-management/organization-settings/organizational-templates.md) and extract data. Produces a [Qualitative Synthesis](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/qualitative-synthesis.md) diagram automatically. | [Core Smart Tags](/review-workflow/tagging/ai-tools-in-tagging/core-smart-tags.md), [Smart Config: Tagging](/review-workflow/tagging/ai-tools-in-tagging/smart-config-tagging.md), [Adaptive Smart Tags](/review-workflow/tagging/ai-tools-in-tagging/adaptive-smart-tags.md),                                                                                                                                                                     |
| [**Meta-Analytical Extraction**](/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction.md) (optional) | Capture quantitative data that auto-populates [Quantitative Synthesis](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/quantitative-synthesis.md) with a network meta-analysis.                                                                                                                                                                                                 | [Smart MA Extraction](/review-workflow/meta-analytical-extraction/smart-ma-extraction.md)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| [**Critical Appraisal**](/review-workflow/critical-appraisal.md) (optional)                 | Run Risk of Bias and quality assessments, single or dual.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | [Smart Critical Appraisal](/review-workflow/critical-appraisal/smart-critical-appraisal.md)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| [**Outputs**](/review-workflow/synthesis.md)                                                | Compose your [Abstract](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/abstract-editor.md), full [Manuscript](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/manuscript-editor.md), and [Dashboard](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/dashboard-editor.md) of visuals and Insights.                                                                       | [Smart Insights](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/smart-insights.md), [Synthesis Chat](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/synthesis-chat.md)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

</details>

<details>

<summary>The <strong>Synthesis</strong> Outputs</summary>

| Output                                                                                                                | What it shows                                                                                                                                                                                                                             | AI Assistance                                                                                           |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [**Abstract**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/synthesis-abstract.md)                           | A structured Methods/Results/Discussion summary of the whole review, displayed on Synthesis Home.                                                                                                                                         | [Smart Abstract](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/abstract-editor/smart-abstract.md) |
| [**Qualitative Synthesis**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/qualitative-synthesis.md)           | Explore every tagged concept across your studies in an interactive sunburst or dendrogram, produced directly from Tagging. Curate specific findings as [Insights](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/smart-insights.md). | N/A                                                                                                     |
| [**Quantitative Synthesis**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/quantitative-synthesis.md)         | View summary, distribution, and network meta-analysis (NMA) results for extracted outcomes, produced directly from Meta-Analytical Extraction.                                                                                            | N/A                                                                                                     |
| [**Dashboard**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/dashboard-in-synthesis.md)                      | Assemble a shareable, customizable summary page from text, table, image, study, PRISMA, and tag cards drawn from anywhere in the nest.                                                                                                    | [Smart Insights](/review-workflow/synthesis/set-up-synthesis-outputs/smart-insights.md)                 |
| [**Manuscript**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/manuscript-in-synthesis.md)                    | Compose written background, methods, findings, and discussion sections for the review.                                                                                                                                                    | N/A                                                                                                     |
| [**PRISMA Chart**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/prisma-chart.md)                             | Automatically generated flow diagram recording the history of Search and Screening activity.                                                                                                                                              | N/A                                                                                                     |
| [**Critical Appraisal Visuals**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/critical-appraisal-outputs.md) | Domain Distribution and Stoplight diagrams summarizing risk-of-bias assessments, produced directly from Critical Appraisal.                                                                                                               | N/A                                                                                                     |
| [**Synthesis Chat**](/review-workflow/synthesis/navigate-synthesis-outputs/synthesis-chat.md)                         | An AI assistant built into Synthesis — ask natural-language questions about the nest's evidence, or generate spreadsheets, documents, and figures. Every claim cites a specific study.                                                    | N/A (it *is* the AI tool)                                                                               |

</details>

### Next Steps

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-bolt-lightning">:bolt-lightning:</i><br><strong>Quickstart</strong></td><td>Set up your first nest and begin reviewing evidence.</td><td><a href="/get-started/quickstart.md">Quickstart</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-robot">:robot:</i><br><strong>Build With AI</strong></td><td>Use AI-assisted tools to build your nest.</td><td><a href="/get-started/ai-documentation.md">Build With AI</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-user-magnifying-glass">:user-magnifying-glass:</i><br><strong>Start A Pilot Trial</strong></td><td>Set up an individual or organization pilot trial.</td><td><a href="/start-a-pilot-trial/start-a-pilot-trial.md">Start a Pilot Trial</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-stopwatch">:stopwatch:</i><br><strong>Conduct A Rapid Review</strong></td><td>Follow an AI-assisted workflow for a focused review.</td><td><a href="/get-started/ai-documentation/conduct-a-rapid-review.md">Conduct A Rapid Review</a></td></tr><tr><td><i class="fa-book">:book:</i><br><strong>Glossary</strong></td><td>Look up terms used in Nested Knowledge.</td><td><a href="/resources/glossary.md">Glossary</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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