There are many types of reviews conducted for different purposes. Use these sources to explore and understand review types not covered in this guide.
Definitions of reviews vary, so consider examining a few sources to gather multiple opinions about each kind of review. Likewise, groups may adapt and promote a specific methodology within a broad review type: A systematic review is a general process requiring at least 3 authors who comprehensively search the literature, define inclusion/exclusion criteria, and perform other tasks; the Cochrane Collective has developed specific rules for author team composition, search methods used, the criteria, and other tasks, creating Cochrane Reviews. The Joanna Briggs Institute is well-recognized for their rigorous methodology for scoping reviews. If you are writing for publication, clarify the exact definition of the review for this publication with the editors. If writing for a class, ask the faculty member making the assignment.
This is not a comprehensive list of all types of reviews. Talk to a librarian or review an encyclopedia or textbook about research methods for more information about a specific type of review.
Other types of reviews
- A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies.Grant MJ, Booth A. Health Information and Libraries Journal. 2009;26:91-108. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x
- About Cochrane ReviewsDescribes the types of systematic reviews and meta-analyses created by the Cochrane Collaboration
- JBI Reviewer's Manual: Scoping Reviews Compared to Other Types of ReviewsSuccinctly describes the Joanna Briggs Institute processes for scoping reviews.
- Medical Writing byDescribes several kinds of literature reviews found in medical writing, including evidence-based clinical reviews and meta-analyses.
- Rapid Review Guidebook.Dobbins, M. (2017). Hamilton, ON: National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. This Canadian government-sponsored guideline describes rapid reviews.
- SAGE Research Methods Online and Cases This link opens in a new windowIncludes a variety of textbooks and encyclopedias that discuss research methods.
- Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach.Munn Z, Peters MDJ, Stern C, et al. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2018;8:143 doi: 10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x
- Using Mixed Methods Research Synthesis for Literature ReviewsPublication Date: 2016This practical guide provides step-by-step instruction for conducting a mixed methods research synthesis (MMRS) that integrates both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Writing for Publication in NursingPublication Date: 2018Explains systematic, integrative, and literature reviews.
