Systematic literature review is an in-depth, structured literature review designed to answer a specific question.
Each paper is read systematically against a set of evaluation criteria to:
assess inclusion and exclusion in the review
record consistent data about each paper
identify common elements and patterns emerging from the literature
structure the review consistently
The review is conducted using rigorous methods to:
limit unconscious or conscious bias in the selection of publications chosen to support the reviewer's hypothesis
enable transparency of the review methodology for evaluation, auditability, and replication (useful for updating or extending a review)
provide confidence in the review results
A systematic literature review is where the search protocol is specified BEFORE the literature review is begun.
This protocol, or rigorous search methodology, is just as important as the literature review itself.
You will therefore need to spend time planning your approach to the literature review.
The search terms, search strategies (including database names, platforms, dates of search) and limiters used to conduct your research are included in the submitted review.
A systematic literature review aggregates, categorises and quantitively analyses aspects of every piece of research on a clearly formulated question as determined by the predefined criteria, protocol or plan.
The process for conducting a systematic literature review is similar to conducting a systematic review (which is specifically conducted to answer a clinical research question).
The Systematic Reviews Research Guide details the systematic review process.
Adapt the PICO framework to determine the parameters of your review.
theory/theorist used in the paper - (Cartesian theories, constructivism learning, cultural transmission, utilitarian theory)
theory context/setting used in the paper
theory application in the paper
data collection method used in the paper
research method used in the paper - qualitative, quantitative, case study, empirical study, observations
analysis of results - meta-analysis, statistics, software
Methodology
Methodology used to search for, select, and analyse literature is included in a systematic literature review.
Three types of methodologies:
Aggregative
use predetermined questions to guide analysis
focus is on summarising the findings of multiple qualitative research studies
produce effect sizes or percentages across studies such as meta-summary
Integrative
use predetermined questions to guide analysis
focus is on summarising the findings of multiple qualitative research studies
produce taxonomies of descriptions from conceptual findings
Interpretive
use an iterative process to explore information to understand how concepts connect and interact
focus is on findings across studies
produce an inductive understanding of phenomena, experiences, and events
Record of Search
Systematic literature reviews present statistical information about how many studies were searched and selected, and how many studies contained specific topics.
Use a spreadsheet or table to record searches as evidence of your search method and process.
Record all searches in each database, the search strings used for each search, the number of search results, as well as the date of when each search was conducted.