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Literature Reviews: Standard or Systematic?

Identify the type of project you are doing

Have you been asked to conduct a 'systematic' literature search?

Sometimes the term 'systematic' is not used consistently in the world of research, so it's important that you clarify with your lecturer or supervisor what they expect you to do:

  • Are you expected to conduct a systematic review?
  • Are you expected to be systematic i.e. thorough, comprehensive, in your literature searches, as part of a standard review?

You can find a summary of methodological differences below.

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Systematic vs Standard reviews

 

Systematic reviews Standard literature reviews
Question Focused question, usually built using a question framework. Broader set of questions, providing an overview of a topic and its different aspects.
Objectives Clear objectives are identified. Objectives are usually identified.
Protocol A review protocol is developed before starting the actual review. Check with your lecturer if this is required in your project. If you are a researcher aiming to publish the review, you have to develop and register the protocol. No protocol included.
Inclusion / Exclusion criteria These criteria are clearly set out in the protocol and in the Methods. Studies will be screened according to these. Criteria for the selection of studies do no need to be specified.
Search strategies Comprehensive, advanced search needed. This is reported very clearly and transparently. There are guidelines and best practice to follow. The strategy is up to the authors, there are no specific guidelines and it does not need to be clearly reported.
Articles selection The process is clearly reported following the PRISMA flow diagram. Not usually described.
Articles evaluation All selected articles are systematically appraised using validated tools. Articles are evaluated, but there is no formal process.
Data extraction Reported very clearly. Guidelines are available.  The process is not usually reported.
Results and data synthesis Clear summaries of evidence, taking into account the quality of the studies.  Summaries based on studies where the quality might not be specified. May also be influenced by the author's theories, reflection etc.

Adapted from: Bettany-Saltikov J (2010) Learning how to undertake a systematic review: part 2. Nursing Standard. 24, 51, 47-56. Date of acceptance: February 8 2010.

 

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Which review methodology should you use?

If you are writing a review for an assignment, the review methodology will be determined by the assignment's brief. However, if you are writing a review for your dissertation or research project, you might be able to choose the methodology.

Here are some tools that can help you making that choice:

  1. Right Review: answer a few questions to see suggested methodologies.
  2. What type of review is right for you?: a decision tree by Cornell University Library. 
  3. What synthesis methodology should I use? A review and analysis of approaches to research synthesis. Schick-Makaroff, K., MacDonald, M., Plummer, M., Burgess, J., & Neander, W. (2016). What synthesis methodology should I use? A review and analysis of approaches to research synthesis. AIMS Public Health, 3(1), 172-215. doi:10.3934/publichealth.2016.1.172.

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Need advice?

Need advice?

Your Information Specialist can help you with:

  • Clarifying methodologies
  • Advice on appropriate search strategies
  • Advice on database selection
  • Advice on searching grey literature

Book an online 1-1 appointment here >>>

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