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Review Articles (Health Sciences)

Identifies the difference between a systematic review and a literature review. Connects to tools for research, writing, and publishing.

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