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Researcher Skills Toolkit

Systematic vs literature reviews

A systematic review is a summary of the medical literature that uses explicit methods to perform a comprehensive literature search and critical appraisal of individual studies and that uses appropriate statistical techniques to combine these valid studies.

More information Visit the Systematic Review LibGuide for more information on how to conduct this type of review.
Question Focused on a single question
Protocol A protocol is usually registered or published prior to commencing the review
Background Provides a summary of the available literature on the topic
Objectives Clear objectives are identified
Inclusion and exclusion criteria Criteria stated before the review is conducted
Search strategy Comprehensive search conducted in a systematic way
Process of selecting articles Transparent to minimize bias and human error, detailed in the protocol
Process of evaluating articles Comprehensive evaluation of study quality
Process of extracting relevant information Usually clear and specific
Results and data synthesis Clear summaries of studies based on high quality evidence
Discussion Written by expert/s with a detailed knowledge of the issues
Number of reviewers At least three to independently evaluate studies and adjudicate any differences

A literature review is a critical and in-depth evaluation of previous research. It is a summary and synopsis of a particular area of research, allowing anybody reading the paper to establish why you are pursuing this particular research program. A good literature review expands upon the reasons behind selecting a particular research question. 

More information Visit the Literature Review LibGuide for more information on how to conduct this type of review.
Question Not necessarily focused on a single question, but may describe an overview
Protocol No protocol is included
Background Provides summary of the available literature on a topic
Objectives Objective may or may not be identified
Inclusion and exclusion criteria Criteria may not be specified
Search strategy Strategy may not be explicitly stated
Process of selecting articles Not described in a literature review
Process of evaluating articles Evaluation of study quality may or may not be included
Process of extracting relevant information Not clear or explicit
Results and data synthesis Summary based on studies where the quality of the articles may not be expected. May also be influenced by the reviewer's theories, needs and beliefs
Discussion Written by expert/s with a detailed knowledge of the issues
Number of reviewers Can be conducted by one reviewer

A systematic literature review is designed to review relevant literature in your field through a highly rigorous and 'systematic' process. 

The process of undertaking a systematic literature review covers not only the content found in the literature but the methods used to find the literature, what search strategies you used, how and where you searched, what was included/excluded from your research and to determine whether any gaps can be found in existing research. 

Question Focused on a single question
Protocol A protocol may be created
Background Provides a summary of the available literature on the topic
Objectives Clear objectives are identified
Inclusion and exclusion criteria Criteria stated before the review is conducted
Search strategy Comprehensive search conducted in a systematic way
Process of selecting articles Usually clear and explicit
Process of evaluating articles Comprehensive evaluation of study quality
Process of extracting relevant information Usually clear and specific
Results and data synthesis Clear summaries of studies based on high quality evidence
Discussion Written by expert/s with a detailed knowledge of the issues
Number of reviewers Can be conducted by one reviewer
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