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Literature review methods

Systematic reviews

Definition

According to Cochrane Collaboration

A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods that are selected with a view aimed at minimizing bias, to produce more reliable findings to inform decision making.

Additional resources

  • Booth, A., Sutton, A., Clowes, M., & Martyn-St James, M. (2022). Systematic approaches to a successful literature review (Third ed.). SAGE. 
  • Centre for Reviews and Disemination. (2009). Systematic Reviews. University of York.
  • Gough, D., Oliver, S., & Thomas, J. (2017). An introduction to systematic reviews  (Second edition). Sage.