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Literature review methods

Stage 3: Reporting

Keep your method scientific

Literature reviews should be reported in a way that reflects the scientific rigor of their research methods. Comprehensive and clear reporting will add to the transparency and reproducibility of your review project. Some guidelines to help you do this are listed below. For examples from your own discipline, look for published reviews in highly regarded journals within your subject area. There may also be organisations within your field that have suggested frameworks or recommendations.

Reporting standards and checklists

  • EQUATOR - Collection of several reporting standards. Reflects an international initiative to enhance the reliability and value of medical research literature by promoting transparent and accurate reporting of research studies.
  • PRISMA - Minimum set of items to report in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including a checklist and a flow diagram.
  • PRISMA-P - Minimum set of items to report in systematic review and meta-analysis protocols.
  • PRISMA-ScR - Miniumum set of items to report in a scoping review.