what are the advantages and disadvantages of literature review

Advantages and disadvantages of literature review

This comprehensive article explores some of the advantages and disadvantages of literature review in research. Reviewing relevant literature is a key area in research, and indeed, it is a research activity in itself. It helps researchers investigate a particular topic in detail. However, it has some limitations as well.

What is literature review?

In order to understand the advantages and disadvantages of literature review, it is important to understand what a literature review is and how it differs from other methods of research. According to Jones and Gratton (2009) a literature review essentially consists of critically reading, evaluating, and organising existing literature on a topic to assess the state of knowledge in the area. It is sometimes called critical review.

A literature review is a select analysis of existing research which is relevant to a researcher’s selected topic, showing how it relates to their investigation. It explains and justifies how their investigation may help answer some of the questions or gaps in the chosen area of study (University of Reading, 2022).

A literature review is a term used in the field of research to describe a systematic and methodical investigation of the relevant literature on a particular topic. In other words, it is an analysis of existing research on a topic in order to identify any relevant studies and draw conclusions about the topic.

A literature review is not the same as a bibliography or a database search. Rather than simply listing references to sources of information, a literature review involves critically evaluating and summarizing existing research on a topic. As such, it is a much more detailed and complex process than simply searching databases and websites, and it requires a lot of effort and skills.

Advantages of literature review

Information synthesis

A literature review is a very thorough and methodical exercise. It can be used to synthesize information and draw conclusions about a particular topic. Through a careful evaluation and critical summarization, researchers can draw a clear and comprehensive picture of the chosen topic.

Familiarity with the current knowledge

According to the University of Illinois (2022), literature reviews allow researchers to gain familiarity with the existing knowledge in their selected field, as well as the boundaries and limitations of that field.

Creation of new body of knowledge

One of the key advantages of literature review is that it creates new body of knowledge. Through careful evaluation and critical summarisation, researchers can create a new body of knowledge and enrich the field of study.

Answers to a range of questions

Literature reviews help researchers analyse the existing body of knowledge to determine the answers to a range of questions concerning a particular subject.

Disadvantages of literature review

Time consuming

As a literature review involves collecting and evaluating research and summarizing the findings, it requires a significant amount of time. To conduct a comprehensive review, researchers need to read many different articles and analyse a lot of data. This means that their review will take a long time to complete.

Lack of quality sources  

Researchers are expected to use a wide variety of sources of information to present a comprehensive review. However, it may sometimes be challenging for them to identify the quality sources because of the availability of huge numbers in their chosen field. It may also happen because of the lack of past empirical work, particularly if the selected topic is an unpopular one.

Descriptive writing

One of the major disadvantages of literature review is that instead of critical appreciation, some researchers end up developing reviews that are mostly descriptive. Their reviews are often more like summaries of the work of other writers and lack in criticality. It is worth noting that they must go beyond describing the literature.

Key features of literature review

Clear organisation

A literature review is typically a very critical and thorough process. Universities usually recommend students a particular structure to develop their reviews. Like all other academic writings, a review starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion. Between the beginning and the end, researchers present the main body of the review containing the critical discussion of sources.

No obvious bias

A key feature of a literature review is that it should be very unbiased and objective. However, it should be mentioned that researchers may sometimes be influenced by their own opinions of the world.

Proper citation

One of the key features of literature review is that it must be properly cited. Researchers should include all the sources that they have used for information. They must do citations and provide a reference list by the end in line with a recognized referencing system such as Harvard.

To conclude this article, it can be said that a literature review is a type of research that seeks to examine and summarise existing research on a particular topic. It is an essential part of a dissertation/thesis. However, it is not an easy thing to handle by an inexperienced person. It also requires a lot of time and patience.

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Last update: 08 May 2022

References:

Jones, I., & Gratton, C. (2009) Research Methods for Sports Shttps://www.howandwhat.net/new/evaluate-website-content/tudies, 2 nd edition, London: Routledge

University of Illinois (2022) Literature review, available at: https://www.uis.edu/learning-hub/writing-resources/handouts/learning-hub/literature-review (accessed 08 May 2022)

University of Reading (2022) Literature reviews, available at: https://libguides.reading.ac.uk/literaturereview/starting (accessed 07 May 2022)

Author: M Rahman

M Rahman writes extensively online and offline with an emphasis on business management, marketing, and tourism. He is a lecturer in Management and Marketing. He holds an MSc in Tourism & Hospitality from the University of Sunderland. Also, graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BA in Business & Management Studies and completed a DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Life-Long Learning Sector) from London South Bank University.

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Pros and Cons of Literature Review

Table of Contents

Understanding the Purpose of a Literature Review in Research

A literature review is a comprehensive overview of existing research and scholarly articles on a particular topic. Its primary purpose is to synthesize and evaluate the current state of knowledge, identifying central themes, methodologies, and findings from various sources. This process helps researchers contextualize their work within the broader academic conversation, ensuring that their contributions are relevant and informed. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), a well-crafted literature review provides a framework for understanding previous research that can guide further inquiry.

Moreover, literature reviews serve as foundational elements in various types of research, including dissertations, theses, and grant proposals. They outline what is already known, highlight the importance of the topic, and justify the necessity for further research. By doing so, literature reviews not only support the researcher’s arguments but also help establish credibility and authority in their chosen field. This engagement with existing scholarship demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic, which is crucial for any academic endeavor.

The literature review process also fosters critical thinking and analytical skills, as researchers must assess the quality and relevance of various sources. This intellectual rigor encourages scholars to engage with a diverse array of perspectives, leading to a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter. Ultimately, the purpose of a literature review is multifaceted: it contextualizes research, identifies gaps, and enhances the overall integrity of academic work.

Advantages of Conducting a Thorough Literature Review

One of the primary advantages of conducting a thorough literature review is the ability to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular field or topic. By reviewing a wide range of sources, researchers can identify trends, patterns, and notable developments in their area of interest. This rich context not only informs their research but also exposes them to a variety of methodologies and theoretical frameworks. According to a study published in the journal Research Studies , researchers who engage in extensive literature reviews often produce higher-quality work, as they can draw on a wealth of existing knowledge.

Furthermore, a literature review allows researchers to discover key authors and seminal works that have shaped their field. By understanding which studies are most frequently cited, researchers can pinpoint influential theories and debates, thus enriching their own contributions. This awareness fosters a sense of belonging within the academic community and encourages constructive dialogue among scholars. In fact, a literature review can help facilitate collaborations, as researchers share common interests and expertise.

Lastly, conducting a thorough literature review enhances the likelihood of funding for research projects. Granting agencies often require applicants to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of existing research, as this showcases the project’s relevance and significance. A well-researched literature review can thus serve as a persuasive argument for why the proposed research is necessary, making it an essential component of successful grant applications.

Identifying Gaps in Existing Research: A Key Benefit

One of the most critical benefits of conducting a literature review is the ability to identify gaps in existing research. By systematically reviewing the literature, researchers can pinpoint areas that have been overlooked, underexplored, or lack consensus. This process leads to the formulation of new research questions that can significantly advance the field. According to a survey conducted by the American Educational Research Association , nearly 70% of researchers indicated that identifying gaps in literature was a primary motivation for their work.

Identifying these gaps not only contributes to the advancement of knowledge in a specific area but also opens doors for innovative research opportunities. By addressing these unexplored areas, researchers can make meaningful contributions that challenge established norms or introduce novel perspectives. This can lead to groundbreaking findings that reshape the understanding of a particular field and inspire future inquiries.

Moreover, recognizing gaps in the literature can assist researchers in justifying the need for their studies. When researchers can demonstrate that existing literature lacks sufficient exploration of certain topics, it strengthens their case for why their research is not only relevant but necessary. This alignment with the broader academic discourse enhances the overall impact of the research and can result in more significant citations and attention from fellow scholars.

The Time-Consuming Nature of Literature Reviews

Despite the many advantages of literature reviews, one significant drawback is that they can be extremely time-consuming. Researchers may spend weeks or even months sifting through articles, books, and other sources to ensure they are well-informed about their topic. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, an average literature review can take 22 hours per week over several months, resulting in a substantial time investment that can detract from other critical aspects of the research process.

Additionally, the sheer volume of published literature can be overwhelming. With thousands of articles published annually in various academic fields, narrowing down the relevant materials requires considerable effort. Researchers must develop effective search strategies and utilize databases efficiently to manage this information overload. This process can lead to frustration and exhaustion, particularly for early-career researchers who may not yet have mastered these skills.

Finally, the time spent on literature reviews may delay the actual research process. Researchers may find themselves so engrossed in reviewing existing literature that they struggle to move forward with their original research questions. This prolonged phase of exploration can hinder productivity and may even lead to missed deadlines or extended research timelines, ultimately affecting the quality and timeliness of their work.

Potential for Bias in Literature Review Selection Process

Another important challenge associated with literature reviews is the potential for bias in the selection process. Researchers may unintentionally favor certain studies or perspectives, influenced by their own beliefs, experiences, or institutional affiliations. This bias can lead to an incomplete or skewed representation of the existing body of literature, ultimately compromising the integrity of the review. According to a study published in PLOS ONE , biases in literature selection can significantly affect research outcomes and interpretations.

Moreover, the tendency to rely on easily accessible or more recently published studies can further exacerbate this issue. Researchers may overlook older but relevant works or fail to include marginalized voices in the academic discourse. This narrow approach can perpetuate existing power dynamics within scholarly fields and limit the diversity of viewpoints presented in literature reviews. It is crucial for researchers to actively seek out a variety of sources and perspectives to present a balanced viewpoint.

To mitigate bias, scholars can employ systematic review methodologies, which provide structured guidelines for identifying and selecting literature. By following these rigorous protocols, researchers can enhance the transparency and reliability of their literature reviews. However, even with these strategies, complete objectivity is challenging to achieve, and a critical awareness of potential biases remains essential for maintaining the credibility of the review process.

How Literature Reviews Enhance Research Credibility

Conducting a well-structured literature review significantly enhances the credibility of a research study. By showcasing a thorough understanding of the existing body of knowledge, researchers can demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field. A literature review provides a backdrop against which the new research can be compared and evaluated, situating the study within the broader academic context. This contextualization is vital for establishing the research’s relevance and significance, which can ultimately lead to greater trust from readers and peers.

Additionally, literature reviews help to substantiate hypotheses and research questions by providing empirical support from previously published studies. Citing reputable sources lends weight to the research arguments and findings, reinforcing their validity. According to the Journal of Research Practice , studies that include comprehensive literature reviews are cited 45% more often than those that do not, indicating a strong correlation between literature reviews and research impact.

Moreover, the process of conducting a literature review encourages transparency in the research process. By documenting the sources consulted, methodologies employed, and the rationale behind the selection of literature, researchers allow others to trace their intellectual journey. This transparency enhances accountability and fosters a culture of open inquiry, increasing the overall credibility of the research itself.

Limitations of Literature Reviews in Providing New Insights

While literature reviews play an essential role in synthesizing existing knowledge, they often have limitations in providing new insights. A literature review primarily focuses on summarizing and analyzing existing studies, which can lead to redundancy in findings. Researchers may find that many publications reiterate similar conclusions, which can stifle innovation and creative thinking. A meta-analysis conducted by Research Trends revealed that up to 60% of literature reviews in certain disciplines merely confirm prior research without offering fresh perspectives.

Additionally, literature reviews may struggle to address rapidly evolving fields, where new studies emerge frequently. In such cases, a literature review may become outdated quickly, limiting its applicability to current research needs. For example, in fields such as technology and medicine, new findings can significantly reshape existing knowledge, rendering earlier literature reviews less relevant. Researchers must constantly assess and update their literature reviews to keep pace with advancements, a process that can be resource-intensive.

Moreover, literature reviews often lack the ability to generate novel hypotheses, as they primarily summarize existing knowledge rather than proposing new theories or models. This limitation is particularly pronounced in fields where empirical testing is essential for theoretical advancements. Researchers must balance the insights gleaned from literature reviews with original research to drive innovation and contribute new knowledge to their respective fields.

Balancing the Pros and Cons for Effective Research Outcomes

In conclusion, while literature reviews present several advantages, including the identification of research gaps and the enhancement of credibility, they also come with notable drawbacks, such as the potential for bias and the time-consuming nature of the process. To achieve effective research outcomes, scholars must be mindful of both the pros and cons associated with literature reviews. Striking the right balance entails harnessing the strengths of literature reviews while mitigating their limitations.

To optimize the literature review process, researchers can employ systematic approaches that promote inclusivity and diversity in source selection. By actively seeking out various perspectives and methodologies, scholars can create a more comprehensive and balanced overview of the existing literature. Furthermore, researchers should regularly update their literature reviews, ensuring that they remain relevant and reflective of the current state of knowledge in their fields.

Ultimately, a well-executed literature review can serve as a powerful tool for advancing research and fostering academic dialogue. By acknowledging the pros and cons and striving for a balanced approach, researchers can leverage literature reviews to enhance their research endeavors and contribute meaningful insights to the academic community.

Related posts:

• Types of Literature Reviews Explained
• Pros and Cons of Systematic Review
• Pros and Cons of Scientific Peer Review
• Pros and Cons of Peer Review

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Dissertations - Skills Guide

• Where to start
• Research Proposal
• Ethics Form
• Primary Research

Literature Review

• Methodology
• Downloadable Resources
• Further Reading

What is it?

Literature reviews involve collecting information from literature that is already available, similar to a long essay. It is a written argument that builds a case from previous research (Machi and McEvoy, 2012). Every dissertation should include a literature review, but a dissertation as a whole can be a literature review. In this section we discuss literature reviews for the whole dissertation.

What are the benefits of a literature review?

There are advantages and disadvantages to any approach. The advantages of conducting a literature review include accessibility, deeper understanding of your chosen topic, identifying experts and current research within that area, and answering key questions about current research. The disadvantages might include not providing new information on the subject and, depending on the subject area, you may have to include information that is out of date.

How do I write it?

A literature review is often split into chapters, you can choose if these chapters have titles that represent the information within them, or call them chapter 1, chapter 2, ect. A regular format for a literature review is:

Introduction (including methodology)

This particular example is split into 6 sections, however it may be more or less depending on your topic.

Literature Reviews Further Reading

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Narrative vs. Systematic Literature Review: Understanding the Differences

Key differences between narrative and systematic literature reviews.

When conducting research, it’s important to understand the type of literature review that best suits your research question and objectives. Two common types of literature reviews are narrative literature reviews and systematic literature reviews . Though they both aim to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on a topic, they differ significantly in their approach, methodology, level of rigor, scope, and overall purpose. Choosing the right type of literature review can significantly influence how effectively you convey your research findings and how they are received by your academic audience.

Narrative literature reviews and systematic literature reviews each have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different kinds of research. A narrative literature review is generally more flexible and subjective, allowing researchers to provide a broad overview and identify trends in an expansive way, often incorporating the author's unique perspective. It is particularly effective when you need to summarize the overall state of knowledge on a topic and provide a contextual backdrop for your research. In contrast, a systematic literature review is much more structured and methodical, using precise protocols to minimize bias and produce reliable, reproducible results that can form the basis for evidence-based decision-making. These differences mean that each type of review is not only unique in its execution but also in the kind of insight it offers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key differences between narrative and systematic literature reviews, their strengths, weaknesses, and distinct features, and when to use each method. We will delve into the methodologies involved, discuss practical examples of when one type of review may be more appropriate than the other, and provide insights into how to conduct each type of review effectively. Understanding these differences is crucial because the method you choose will shape the nature of your findings, the degree of reliability, and the overall contribution your research makes to the field.

The choice between a narrative and a systematic literature review often depends on the goals of your research. For instance, if your objective is to create an informed backdrop or provide theoretical analysis that integrates multiple viewpoints, a narrative review might be the most appropriate approach. It offers the flexibility to cover a wide array of literature and to present diverse perspectives in a cohesive manner. On the other hand, if your goal is to systematically evaluate all the available evidence on a narrowly defined question—such as assessing the efficacy of a particular intervention or treatment—a systematic literature review provides the rigor and transparency needed for such a task. This type of review helps ensure that every relevant study is accounted for, minimizing bias and enhancing the reliability of your conclusions.

Knowing the difference between a narrative and a systematic literature review is not merely academic—it directly impacts the quality, depth, and reliability of your research output. By carefully considering your objectives and the specific requirements of your research topic, you can select the most appropriate review type and ensure that your literature review effectively supports your overall research aims, ultimately enhancing the impact and quality of your study.

What is a Narrative Literature Review?

A narrative literature review is often described as a traditional or qualitative review. It provides a broad overview of a topic by summarizing, synthesizing, and interpreting available research, usually without following a strict systematic approach. Narrative reviews are highly flexible, allowing authors to cover a wide range of related studies, often including their own perspectives or interpretations. This flexibility allows researchers to highlight different aspects of a topic, identify gaps, and provide a conceptual analysis that may go beyond a mere summary of existing studies.

Narrative reviews are typically used to provide context, identify trends, and offer insights into a topic. They are excellent for providing background information, forming hypotheses, exploring emerging topics, or discussing a wide body of work in a general way. Because of their broad and interpretive nature, they are often used in the early stages of research projects to build an understanding of the field before narrowing down a specific research question. They help establish a foundational understanding of a subject, making it easier for researchers to refine their questions and focus their studies effectively.

One of the key strengths of narrative reviews is their ability to incorporate diverse sources of information and offer a more creative synthesis of ideas. They are not limited to empirical studies alone; instead, they can draw on theoretical articles, conceptual papers, and even anecdotal evidence. This broader scope can be incredibly valuable when attempting to provide a holistic overview of a topic, especially when dealing with complex or interdisciplinary issues that require input from multiple fields. Researchers can also use narrative reviews to identify existing theories and frameworks, compare and contrast them, and discuss their applicability in different contexts.

However, because narrative reviews are not exhaustive and do not always follow a rigorous, standardized methodology, they may be subject to biases, such as selection bias and confirmation bias. Authors may inadvertently focus on literature that supports their own hypotheses or perspectives, leading to a skewed interpretation of the available research. Additionally, narrative reviews are typically less reproducible than systematic reviews because they do not follow a specific set of procedures for searching, selecting, and analyzing the literature. This makes them less suitable for drawing definitive conclusions or informing policy or practice.

Despite these limitations, narrative reviews are incredibly useful for synthesizing large amounts of information and presenting it in an accessible, cohesive manner. They allow researchers to convey the "big picture" and identify areas where further investigation is needed. Narrative reviews are also well-suited for discussing historical developments within a field, offering a chronological perspective on how knowledge has evolved over time. This historical insight can be crucial in understanding current debates and identifying emerging trends that may shape future research.

Moreover, narrative reviews can be a powerful tool for developing theoretical frameworks and conceptual models. By integrating findings from multiple sources, researchers can generate new hypotheses or propose new theories that can later be tested empirically. This kind of theoretical development is particularly important in fields that are still in their formative stages, where empirical data may be scarce, but there is a need to build a foundation for future research. Narrative reviews provide the flexibility needed to explore these nascent areas without being confined by strict methodological requirements.

Overall, narrative literature reviews are an essential part of the research landscape. They offer a flexible, interpretive approach to understanding a topic, allowing for a broad exploration that is often necessary in the early stages of research. While they may lack the rigor and reproducibility of systematic reviews, their ability to provide context, generate hypotheses, and synthesize diverse types of literature makes them an invaluable tool for researchers looking to navigate complex fields and lay the groundwork for more focused studies.

Key Features of a Narrative Literature Review:

• Broad Coverage : Summarizes a wide range of studies related to a topic, allowing for flexibility in coverage.
• Flexible Approach : No standardized process; allows subjective interpretations by the author, which can be influenced by personal perspective.
• Ideal for Background Context : Useful for identifying trends, forming hypotheses, providing a general understanding of a topic, and offering a broader narrative that highlights different dimensions of the research.
• Potential for Bias : Susceptible to selection and interpretation bias due to the lack of standardized procedures. This makes it less suitable for answering precise, objective research questions.
• Useful in Theoretical Discussions : Narrative reviews are often used in developing theoretical frameworks and discussing multiple viewpoints, making them ideal for interdisciplinary research.

What is a Systematic Literature Review?

A systematic literature review is a structured and comprehensive method of reviewing existing research. It follows a predefined protocol that includes clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, systematic data extraction, and critical analysis of the included studies. Systematic reviews are typically conducted to answer specific research questions by summarizing the findings of all relevant studies, often following established guidelines such as PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses).

The process of conducting a systematic review begins with defining a focused research question, which determines the direction and scope of the review. The research question must be specific, clearly defined, and relevant to ensure that the review addresses an important issue. Researchers then develop a detailed protocol that outlines the criteria for including or excluding studies, the databases to be searched, and the methods for extracting and synthesizing data. This protocol helps maintain consistency and reduces the potential for bias during the review process.

Systematic reviews are highly valued for their rigor, transparency, and reliability. They aim to minimize bias by following a well-defined and transparent methodology, making them reproducible. By adhering to strict guidelines and documenting every step, systematic reviews strive to provide a thorough and objective overview of the research, making them an excellent choice for informing evidence-based practice, policy-making, or future research. Systematic reviews also often involve quality assessment tools, such as risk of bias checklists, to evaluate the credibility of the included studies, ensuring that the synthesized findings are based on the best available evidence.

Another important aspect of systematic literature reviews is the comprehensive search strategy . Researchers must perform a thorough search across multiple databases, including peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and gray literature (unpublished or non-commercial studies) to ensure that all relevant studies are captured. The search terms, keywords, and inclusion criteria are carefully designed to maximize the coverage of relevant research. The resulting studies are then screened in several stages—first by title and abstract, and then by full text—to determine whether they meet the inclusion criteria.

Once the relevant studies have been selected, the data extraction phase involves systematically collecting information from each study, such as sample size, methodology, key findings, and limitations. This information is organized in a structured format that allows for straightforward comparison and synthesis. Systematic reviews may also include a meta-analysis, which is a statistical technique used to combine the results of multiple studies to identify trends or calculate an overall effect size. Meta-analysis adds another layer of depth to the review by providing quantitative insights into the consistency and strength of the available evidence.

Systematic reviews are frequently used in healthcare, education, and social sciences to synthesize evidence on specific research questions. They play a vital role in evidence-based practice by providing a clear, unbiased summary of the existing research, which can help practitioners make informed decisions. In healthcare, for example, systematic reviews are often used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments or interventions, guiding clinical guidelines and helping improve patient outcomes. In education, they can be used to evaluate teaching methods or curriculum changes, while in social sciences, they help consolidate evidence on social policies or interventions.

Systematic reviews are particularly important for identifying gaps in the literature and setting the agenda for future research. By systematically reviewing what is already known, researchers can highlight areas where evidence is lacking or where studies have produced conflicting results, thereby informing future studies. They also help establish the state of knowledge on a topic, which is crucial for developing new research projects, writing grant proposals, or advocating for policy changes based on solid evidence.

Overall, systematic literature reviews are a cornerstone of evidence-based research. They ensure a comprehensive, transparent, and unbiased assessment of the available literature, helping researchers, practitioners, and policymakers make well-informed decisions. The structured approach of systematic reviews not only enhances the reliability of the findings but also contributes to the development of more robust research questions and methodologies for future studies. Their utility in providing clarity amidst a vast body of information makes them an indispensable tool in academic and professional settings.

Key Features of a Systematic Literature Review:

• Structured Protocol : Follows a systematic and pre-specified protocol for literature search, study selection, and data analysis. This ensures consistency and reduces the influence of personal bias.
• Comprehensive Search : Aims to include all relevant studies based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, ensuring that the resulting review is thorough and represents the full scope of existing evidence.
• Minimizes Bias : Reduces selection and interpretation bias by using a consistent, repeatable methodology, which is documented for transparency.
• Evidence-Based : Often used in healthcare, social sciences, and other fields that require robust evidence to guide decision-making and practice.
• Quality Assessment : Systematic reviews often include an assessment of the quality of the included studies, helping to differentiate between high- and low-quality evidence and providing a basis for synthesizing reliable conclusions.

Narrative vs. Systematic: Key Differences

When to use each type.

Narrative Literature Review : Ideal for providing a comprehensive overview of a broad topic, understanding trends in the literature, exploring areas where the research is less structured, or generating new hypotheses. It’s particularly helpful in the early stages of a research project, where the goal is to gather insights, identify theoretical approaches, and develop a conceptual understanding of the topic. It is also suitable for interdisciplinary topics where flexibility is necessary to draw connections across various domains.

Systematic Literature Review : Best used when there is a specific research question that needs a comprehensive, unbiased answer. Systematic reviews are essential in fields that require evidence-based conclusions, such as healthcare, psychology, and education. These reviews are ideal for synthesizing the evidence around a narrowly defined research question, determining the effectiveness of an intervention, or identifying areas where further research is needed. The methodological rigor of systematic reviews makes them reliable sources of information for informing practice, policy, or clinical guidelines.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Narrative Literature Review

• Advantages : Provides a broad overview of a topic, flexible in structure, easier and faster to conduct, allows for the author’s critical insight and creative synthesis of diverse literature. Useful for generating hypotheses and exploring emerging areas of research where rigid protocols are not suitable.
• Disadvantages : Prone to bias, not exhaustive, lacks reproducibility, less suitable for informing practice or policy, and may overlook important studies due to the lack of a systematic search process.

Systematic Literature Review

• Advantages : Comprehensive and exhaustive, reduces bias, highly reproducible, well-suited for evidence-based decision-making, provides a high level of transparency, and includes a quality assessment that ensures the reliability of the synthesized evidence.
• Disadvantages : Time-consuming, requires a detailed and specific research question, rigid structure that may not accommodate exploratory or interdisciplinary topics, and often necessitates collaboration among multiple reviewers to minimize biases.

Tips for Conducting Each Type of Review

• For Narrative Reviews : Focus on synthesizing diverse literature to provide a holistic view of the topic. Be transparent about any limitations in the scope of your review, and ensure clarity about how the literature was chosen. Aim to connect different perspectives and identify themes, while clearly stating your own interpretations.
• For Systematic Reviews : Define your research question clearly, follow a well-established protocol such as PRISMA, and ensure that your search strategy is comprehensive, including multiple databases and gray literature. Document each step meticulously to maintain reproducibility, and consider involving multiple reviewers to reduce bias and ensure reliability.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a narrative and a systematic literature review depends largely on the objectives of your research and the nature of your research question. If you need a general overview, want to explore multiple facets of a topic, or are in the preliminary stages of research, a narrative literature review is likely the best choice. It allows for creative interpretation and a broader exploration of the topic. On the other hand, if you need to answer a specific question with precision and reliability, and if minimizing bias is essential, a systematic literature review is more appropriate. Systematic reviews provide a rigorous synthesis of evidence, making them indispensable in fields requiring evidence-based conclusions.

Both types of reviews have their own strengths and limitations, and understanding these differences will help you effectively plan and execute your research. By choosing the appropriate type of literature review, you can ensure that your work is not only methodologically sound but also aligned with your research goals, ultimately contributing to a more robust and impactful study.

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Systematic Reviews

Automate every stage of your literature review to produce evidence-based research faster and more accurately.

Systematic reviews are considered credible sources since they are comprehensive, reproducible, and precise in stating the outcomes. The type of review system used and the approach taken depend on the goals and objectives of the research. To choose the best-suited review system, researchers must be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each one.

Let us now look at the strengths and limitations of systematic reviews.

Strengths Of Systematic Reviews

Systematic reviews have become increasingly popular owing to their transparency, accuracy, replicability, and reduced risk of bias. Some of the main benefits of systematic reviews are;

Specificity

Researchers can answer specific research questions of high importance. For example, the efficacy of a particular drug in the treatment of an illness.

Explicit Methodology

A systematic review requires rigorous planning. Each stage of the review is predefined to the last detail. The research question is formulated using the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) approach. A strict eligibility criteria is then established for inclusion and exclusion criteria for selecting the primary studies for the review. Every stage of the systematic review methodology is pre-specified to the last detail and made publicly available, even before starting the review process. This makes all the stages in the methodology transparent and reproducible.

Reliable And Accurate Results

The results of a systematic review are either analyzed qualitatively and presented as a textual narrative or quantitatively using statistical methods such as meta-analyses and numeric effect estimates. The quality of evidence or the confidence in effect estimates is calculated using the standardized GRADE approach.

Comprehensive And Exhaustive

A systematic review involves a thorough search of all the available data on a certain topic. It is exhaustive and considers every bit of evidence in synthesizing the outcome. Primary sources for the review are collected from databases and multiple sources, such as blogs from pharmaceutical companies, unpublished research directly from researchers, government reports, and conference proceedings. These are referred to as grey literature. The search criteria and keywords used in sourcing are specific and predefined.

Reproducible

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Weaknesses Of Systematic Reviews

Although systematic reviews are robust tools in scientific research they are not immune to errors. They can be misleading, or even harmful if the data is inappropriately handled or if they are biased. Some of the limitations of systematic reviews include:

Mass Production

Due to the popularity systematic reviews have gained, they tend to be used more than required. The growth rate of systematic reviews has outpaced the growth rate of studies overall. This results in redundancy. For example, a survey published in the BMJ[1], included 73 randomly selected meta-analyses published in 2010 found that for two-thirds of these studies, there was at least one, and sometimes as many as 13, additional meta-analyses published on the same topic by early 2013.

Risk of Bias

Although systematic reviews have many advantages, they are also more susceptible to certain types of biases. A bias is a systematic or methodological error that causes misrepresentation of the study outcomes. As bias can appear at any stage, authors should be aware of the specific risks at each stage of the review process. Most of the known errors in systematic reviews arise in the selection and publication stages. The eligibility criterion in a systematic review helps to avoid selection bias. Poor study design and execution can also result in a biased outcome. It’s important to learn about the types of bias in systematic reviews .

Expressing Strong Opinions by Stealth

Selective outcome reporting is a major threat to a systematic review. The author or reviewer may decide to only report a selection of the statistically significant outcomes that suit his interest. The possibility of unfair or misleading interpretation of evidence outcomes in a systematic review can have serious implications.

Like any review system, systematic reviews have their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding them is essential to making a choice of which review system to use.

Overlapping meta-analyses on the same topic: survey of published studies. BMJ 2013; 347:f4501

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Literature Reviews

• What is a Literature Review?
• Structure of a Literature Review
• Advantages of Literature Reviews
• Disadvantages of Literature Reviews
• How to design a good Literature Review Assessment?
• Marking Rubrics
• Web References and Resources

What is a Literature Review? A Literature Review is a critical review of existing knowledge on areas such as theories, critiques, methodologies, research findings, assessment and evaluations on a particular topic. It is not simply a summary to gather information from reports, journals and articles. A literature review involves a critical evaluation identifying similarities and differences between existing literatures and the work being undertaken. It reviews what have already been done in the context of a topic. Therefore, on the basis of the existing knowledge, people can build up innovative idea and concept for further research purpose.

Generally, a literature review consists of the aim, body, conclusion and references. In some scenarios, a literature review may be integrated into a research proposal. If this is the case, the sections of hypotheses and methods will be included. The sections of aim, hypothesis, and method should be approximately 10% of the length of the literature review.

• Aim: The objective of the study; a short explanation of the study being undertaken
• Body: Provide a critical review of the context of the research or project topic; an evaluation and analysis on existing knowledge; the outline of theoretical framework; any areas of controversy; limitations of literatures; reasons and purpose of the study being undertaken
• Hypothesis: Assumptions or theories that are going to be tested (This section is for the case when a literature review is integrated into a research proposal)
• Method: Approaches for data collection and analysis (This section is for the case when a literature review is integrated into a research proposal)
• Conclusion: A short paragraph to conclude some key points and arguments
• References: The citation and referencing style in the text; the format of the referencing list
• Literature Reviews encourage deep learning, and provide an efficient way to assess students on their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic.
• Literature Reviews assess different cognitive levels.
• With proper supervision and practices, some graduate attributes such as project management and life-long learning can be learnt and assessed.
• Literature Reviews give a conceptual framework for research or project planning because students can have a clear idea of what has already been done in the field. This helps students build up new research topics on the basis of existing literatures
• Time and cost efficient to look for resources (e.g. through the online database)
• Enhance analytical skills through identifying differences in previous work and their work
• Sometimes, students may not have access to certain information. They may spend unnecessary time and resources on searching for the reviews.
• It is time consuming for the teachers to correct and provide feedback.
• Literature reviews require good supervision from teachers particularly for students who are inexperienced in this type of assessment.
• Ensure the students know the primary objective of literature review
• Ensure the students understand that a literature review is not simply a summary
• Ensure clear assessment criteria and marking scheme, including grammar, spellings and other issues are provided to the students
• Decide the length of a literature review (e.g. 3, 000 words)
• Ensure students understand the meaning of plagiarism and how to reference a piece of text (e.g. the format of citation and paraphrasing)
• Teachers have to decide if they would assess the quality of the resources/literatures chosen by students for the literature review (e.g. Are the literatures chosen sharing a high recognition and authority in the field of study? The validity of the resources?)
• Literature reviews require practice; it is recommended that teachers provide the opportunities. Students may begin with small literature reviews on a narrower topic and build from it. Providing examples will be helpful.

Marking Rubrics Here is an example of the marking rubrics for Literature Review.

• The Literature Review: A few tips on conducting it, The University of Toronto. http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/specific-types-of-writing/literature-review
• Write a Literature Review, University Library, University of UC Santa Cruz. http://library.ucsc.edu/help/howto/write-a-literature-review
• Literature Review, The University of Hong Kong Libraries https://libguides.lib.hku.hk/c.php?g=917467&p=6846481

Copy and paste the text below: Chan C.(2009) Assessment: Literature Review , Assessment Resources@HKU, University of Hong Kong [http://ar.talic.hku.hk]: Available: Accessed: DATE