+27 21 959 2946library@uwc.ac.za
The following table provides the differences between systematic and literature reviews.
|
Criteria |
Systematic Reviews |
Literature Reviews |
| Question |
Focused on a single question (often PICO based) |
Not necessarily focused on a single question - may describe an overview |
| Protocol |
A peer reviewed protocol or plan is included |
No protocol included |
| Background |
Summarises the available literature |
Summarises the available literature |
| Objectives |
Clear objectives are identified |
Objectives may or may not be identified |
| Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria |
Criteria stated before the review is conducted |
Criteria not stated |
| Search Strategy |
Comprehensive and systematic (stated in the document) |
Strategy not explicitly stated (not always comprehensive or systematic) |
| Process of Selecting Articles |
Usually clear and explicit |
Not described in a literature review |
| Process of Evaluating Articles |
Comprehensive evaluation of study quality |
Evaluation of study quality may or may not be included |
| Process of Extracting Information |
Usually clear and specific |
Not clear or explicit |
| Results & Data Synthesis |
Clear summaries of studies based on high quality evidence |
Summary based on studies where the quality of the articles may not be specified. May also be influenced by the reviewer's therories, needs and beliefs. |
| Discussion |
Written by an expert or group of experts with a detailed and well grounded knowledge of the issues |
Written by an expert or group of experts with a detailed and well grounded knowledge of the issues From Curtin University Library's Systematic Review guide |
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