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Literature review methods

Previous research

Avoid research waste

It is important to ensure that your research question has not already been answered in a recent review. 

Check online

You can check for published reviews or protocols with a quick search in Google Scholar. Test entering keywords from your research question together with terms like: scoping review, systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, review protocol.

GoogleScholar review search

Check Scopus

Test entering keywords from your research question together with phrases like: scoping review, systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, review protocol.

Scopus keyword search for reviews

 

Alternatively, you can test entering your keywords and using the filter for document type in Scopus.


Scopus limited to document type review

Check a subject database

Test entering keywords from your research question together with phrases like: scoping review, systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-synthesis, review protocol.

For example in PubMed:

PubMed search for systematic reviews on autism

 

Alternatively, test entering keywords from your research question and using any of the filters the database provides for reviews. 

For example in PubMed:

Review types in PubMed

For example in MEDLINE (EBSCOhost):

MEDLINE reviews