Literature and systematic reviews
Literature reviews vs Systematic reviews
When researching a dissertation, thesis, or research project you may be asked to conduct a literature review or a systematic review.
There are important differences between these two kinds of reviews. You will need to clarify which type of review before you start:
University of South Caroline (2023) Literature review: know the difference!. Available at: https://uscupstate.libguides.com/c.php?g=627058&p=5986719 (27/06/2023).
Literature reviews
A literature review provides a summary of knowledge on a specific topic, identifying key research in this area as well as identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and need for additional research.
- Find tips on how to how to conduct a literature review via Student Learning Advisory Service guide to writing a Literature review
- View step-by-step guidance on formatting, researching, and writing your literature review via the Library literature review moodle module
- Access online guides and handbooks with Writing your literature review: library reading list
- Keep track of your research using a reference management tool
Systematic reviews
A systematic review is a specialist type of literature review conducted to address a specific research question. You will aim to find, code, evaluate, and compile all previous research related to your topic using a systematic process.
PICO frameworks are traditionally used for systematic reviews, however a CIMO framework can be more useful for business and management systematic reviews. Download the CIMO framework template to develop your own research question: CIMO framework template
- Develop your research question and search parameters using the PICO framework via the Library research skills module
- View step by step guidance covering all aspects of conducting a systematic review via Cochrane Interactive Learning
- Document your research, methods, and findings using the PRISMA checklist
- Keep track of your research using a reference management tool
Systematic Literature reviews
A systematic literature review combines features of both a literature review and a systematic review.
- Like a literature review this will provide an overview of existing research relating to a specific topic.
- Like a systematic review this will follow a structured approach to searching and selecting research relating to a specific topic.
- A systematic literature review will search across multiple databases and grey literature and will prioritise transparency and replicability.
Reproduced with permission from Bath’s guide to Systematic reviews https://library.bath.ac.uk/systematic-reviews/introduction