Characteristics of the Literature Review Process

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Characteristics of the Literature Review Process

The literature review process has several characteristics:

    1. Outlines important or recent research trends: It highlights important or recent research trends related to the studied topic.
    2. Analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the study: It critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the studies done in the field.
    3. Identifies the knowledge gap between two studies: It identifies the gap between two or more studies, highlighting areas where further research is needed.
    4. Establishes a strong need for the current study: This establishes a compelling rationale for conducting the current study while emphasising the importance and relevance of the research.

      1. Systematic Review

A systematic review is a carefully planned review process that thoroughly investigates a research topic using the scientific method. It goes beyond evaluating existing literature and includes the evaluation of grey literature, thesis/dissertation, and abstracts/conference proceedings. Systematic reviews are considered reliable sources because they are conducted using a rigorous and methodological approach. In this approach, search strategy, evaluation and interpretation of research are included in addition to search results.
Starting a systematic review process is indeed a challenging task. To complete this process, a researcher must follow several steps, including:

    1. Formulating the research question: Begin by formulating a well-defined research question consistent with the study’s objectives and methodology. Before finalising the question, check whether a similar research question already exists.
    2. Identify studies: Use various sources to locate and collect relevant studies. These sources may include grey literature, scientific conference papers, databases, etc.
    3. Evaluate studies: Assess the validity of included studies using specific criteria such as number of citations, year of publication, conflicting issues, and other relevant factors.
    4. Collect and analyse data: Group the selected studies based on their methodological similarities. Describe the methodological approach, including variables, measurements, samples, etc. Statistical methods are then employed to integrate the systematic review results.

Features of Systematic Review Process

The systematic review process includes the following features:

    1. States a set of objectives for the study using pre-defined eligibility criteria: Clearly outlines the objectives and criteria that studies must meet to be included in the review.
    2. Attempts to identify studies that meet eligibility criteria: Attempts to identify studies that meet pre-defined criteria for inclusion.
    3. Assessing the validity of significant results: Evaluates the validity and reliability of the significant findings presented in the included studies.
    4. Synthesises and presents results of included studies: Integrates and presents results of studies that meet eligibility criteria consistently and comprehensively.

Published by Henry