Systematic literature reviews
Systematic literature review is also called:
- scoping review
- narrative review
- mapping review
Systematic literature reviews have predefined criteria, they follow a given method, and provide comprehensive documentation of the process.
You can read more about different types of systematic reviews on PhD on Track (phdontrack.net).
In a systematic literature review, a systematic literature search will be the main method of data collection.
The literature search
A systematic literature search will consist of the following steps:
- Structure the research question by dividing the question into different elements. Information about searching (pdhontrack.net).
- Choose databases/sources (oslomet.no).
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Develop search strategies – find relevant search terms for the different elements in the research question. About systematic searches (phdontrack.net).
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Evaluate the results and, if necessary, refine the search strategies: If the search returns too many irrelevant results and/or leaves out relevant references, the search strategy should be reconsidered.
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Import references to a reference management tool (for example EndNote (oslomet.no)). Remove duplicates.
- Document and report the search – choices made during the search process should be stated. The search must be described in the paper's method chapter.
If you want to learn more about literature search: Online resource on systematic literature searches from the University Library NTNU in Gjøvik (systemlit.wordpress.com. In Norwegian).