types of research systematic review

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• What is a Systematic Review?

Types of Reviews

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Review Typologies

There are many types of evidence synthesis projects, including systematic reviews as well as others. The selection of review type is wholly dependent on the research question. Not all research questions are well-suited for systematic reviews.

• Review Typologies (from LITR-EX) This site explores different review methodologies such as, systematic, scoping, realist, narrative, state of the art, meta-ethnography, critical, and integrative reviews. The LITR-EX site has a health professions education focus, but the advice and information is widely applicable.

Review the table to peruse review types and associated methodologies. Librarians can also help your team determine which review type might be appropriate for your project. 

Reproduced from Grant, M. J. and Booth, A. (2009), A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26: 91-108.  doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x

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Systematic Reviews

• Types of Literature Reviews

What Makes a Systematic Review Different from Other Types of Reviews?

• Planning Your Systematic Review
• Database Searching
• Creating the Search
• Search Filters and Hedges
• Grey Literature
• Managing and Appraising Results
• Further Resources

Reproduced from Grant, M. J. and Booth, A. (2009), A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26: 91–108. doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x

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Systematic Reviews

• Introduction to Systematic Reviews

Traditional Systematic Reviews

Meta-analyses, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, umbrella reviews, selecting a review type.

• Reading Systematic Reviews
• Resources for Conducting Systematic Reviews
• Getting Help with Systematic Reviews from the Library
• History of Systematic Reviews
• Acknowledgements

Systematic Reviews are a family of review types that include:

This page provides information about the most common types of systematic reviews, important resources and references for conducting them, and some tools for choosing the best type for your research question .

Additional Information

• A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies This classic article is a valuable reference point for those commissioning, conducting, supporting or interpreting reviews.
• Traditional Systematic Reviews follow a rigorous and well-defined methodology to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research articles on a specific topic and within a specified population of subjects
• The primary goal of this type of study is to comprehensively find the empirical data available on a topic, identify relevant articles, synthesize their findings and draw evidence-based conclusions to answer a clinical question
• Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions provides direction on the standard methods involved in conducting a systematic review. It is the official guide to the process involved in preparing and maintaining Cochrane systematic reviews on the effects of healthcare interventions.
• JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis The JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis is designed to provide authors with a comprehensive guide to conducting JBI systematic reviews. It describes in detail the process of planning, undertaking and writing up a systematic review using JBI methods. The JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis should be used in conjunction with the support and tutorials offered at the JBI SUMARI Knowledge Base.

These are some places where protocols for systematic reviews might be published.

• PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews PROSPERO is an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care, welfare, public health, education, crime, justice, and international development, where there is a health related outcome. Key features from the review protocol are recorded and maintained as a permanent record. PROSPERO aims to provide a comprehensive listing of systematic reviews registered at inception to help avoid duplication and reduce opportunity for reporting bias by enabling comparison of the completed review with what was planned in the protocol.
• Guidance Notes for Registering A Systematic Review Protocol with PROSPERO
• OSF Registries Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries is an open network of study registgrations and pre-registrations. It can be used to pre-register a systematic review protocol. Note that OSF pre-registrations are not reviewed.
• OSF Preregistration Initiative This page explains the motivation behind preregistrations and best practices for doing so.
• Protocols.io A secure platform for developing and sharing reproducible methods, including protocols for systematic reviews.
• PRISMA 2020 Statement The PRISMA 2020 Statement was published in 2021. It consists of a checklist and a flow diagram, and is intended to be accompanied by the PRISMA 2020 Explanation and Elaboration document.
• Meta-analysis is a statistical method that can be applied during a systematic review to extract and combine the results from multiple studies
• This pooling of data from compatible studies increases the statistical power and precision of the conclusions made by the systematic review
• Systematic reviews can be done without doing a meta-analysis, but a meta-analysis must be done in connection with a systematic review
• Scoping reviews identify the existing literature available on a topic to help identify key concepts, the type and amount of evidence available on a subject, and what research gaps exist in a specific area of study
• They are particularly useful when a research question is broad and the goal is to provide an understanding of the available evidence on a topic rather than providing a focused synthesis on a narrow question
• JBI Manual Chapter 11: Scoping Reviews
• Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews The objective of this paper is to describe the updated methodological guidance for conducting a JBI scoping review, with a focus on new updates to the approach and development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (the PRISMA-ScR).
• Steps for Conducting a Scoping Review This article in the Journal of Graduate Medical Education provides a comprehensive yet brief overview of the scoping review process.

Note: Protocols for scoping reviews can be published in all the same places as traditional systematic reviews except PROSPERO.

• Best practice guidance and reporting items for the development of scoping review protocols The purpose of this article is to clearly describe how to develop a robust and detailed scoping review protocol, which is the first stage of the scoping review process. This paper provides detailed guidance and a checklist for prospective authors to ensure that their protocols adequately inform both the conduct of the ensuing review and their readership.
• PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews was published in 2018. The checklist contains 20 essential reporting items and 2 optional items to include when completing a scoping review. Scoping reviews serve to synthesize evidence and assess the scope of literature on a topic. Among other objectives, scoping reviews help determine whether a systematic review of the literature is warranted.
• Touro College: What is a Scoping Review? This page describes scoping reviews, including their limitations, alternate names, and how they differ from traditional systematic reviews.
• What are scoping reviews? Providing a formal definition of scoping reviews as a type of evidence synthesis This article from JBI Evidence Synthesis provides a thorough definition of what scoping reviews are and what they are for.
• The role of scoping reviews in reducing research waste This article from the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology looks at how scoping reviews can reduce research waste.
• Rapid reviews streamline the systematic review process by omitting certain steps or accelerating the timeline
• They are useful when there is a need for timely evidence synthesis, such as in response to questions concerning an urgent policy or clinical situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic
• Rapid Review Guidebook This document provides guidance on the process of conducting rapid reviews to use evidence to inform policy and program decision making.
• Rapid reviews to strengthen health policy and systems: a practical guide This guide from the World Health Organization offers guidance on how to plan, conduct, and promote the use of rapid reviews to strengthen health policy and systems decisions. The Guide explores different approaches and methods for expedited synthesis of health policy and systems research, and highlights key challenges for this emerging field, including its application in low- and middle-income countries. It touches on the utility of rapid reviews of health systems evidence, and gives insights into applied methods to swiftly conduct knowledge syntheses and foster their use in policy and practice.
• Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers evidence-informed guidance to conduct rapid reviews The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers new, interim guidance to support the conduct of Rapid Reviews.
• Touro College: What is a Rapid Review? This page describes rapid reviews, including their limitations, alternate names, and how they differ from traditional systematic reviews.
• Umbrella reviews synthesize evidence from multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses on a specific topic
• They provide a next-generation level of evidence synthesis, analyzing evidence taken from multiple systematic reviews to offer a broader perspective on a given subject
• JBI Manual Chapter 10: Umbrella reviews
• Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) Overviews of reviews (i.e., overviews) compile information from multiple systematic reviews to provide a single synthesis of relevant evidence for healthcare decision-making. Despite their increasing popularity, there are currently no systematically developed reporting guidelines for overviews. This is problematic because the reporting of published overviews varies considerably and is often substandard. Our objective is to use explicit, systematic, and transparent methods to develop an evidence-based and agreement-based reporting guideline for overviews of reviews of healthcare interventions (PRIOR, Preferred Reporting Items for Overviews of Reviews).
• Touro College: What is an Overview of Reviews? This page describes umbrella reviews, including their limitations, alternate names, and how they differ from traditional systematic reviews.
• Cornell University Systematic Review Decision Tree This decision tree is designed to assist researchers in choosing a review type.
• Right Review This tool is designed to provide guidance and supporting material to reviewers on methods for the conduct and reporting of knowledge synthesis.
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• UOW Library
• Key guides for researchers

Systematic Review

• Five other types of systematic review
• What is a systematic review?
• How is a literature review different?
• Search tips for systematic reviews
• Controlled vocabularies
• Grey literature
• Transferring your search
• Documenting your results
• Support & contact

Five other types of systematic reviews

1. scoping review.

A scoping review is a preliminary assessment of the potential size and scope of available research literature. Aims to identify the nature and extent of research evidence (usually including ongoing research). 

Scoping reviews provide an understanding of the size and scope of the available literature and can inform whether a full systematic review should be undertaken. 

If you're not sure you should conduct a systematic review or a scoping review,  this article  outlines the differences between these review types and could help your decision making.  

2. Rapid review

Rapid reviews are an assessment of what is already known about a policy or practice issue by using systematic review methods to search and critically appraise existing research. 

This methodology utilises several legitimate techniques to shorten the process – careful focus of the research question, using broad or less sophisticated search strategies, conducting a review of reviews, restricting the amount of grey literature, extracting only key variables and performing more simple quality appraisals. 

Rapid reviews have an increased risk of potential bias due to their short timeframe. Documenting the methodology and highlighting its limitations is one way to mitigate bias. 

3. Narrative review

Also called a literature review.  

A narrative, or literature, review synthesises primary studies and explores this through description rather than statistics. Library support for literature review can be found in  this guide . 

4. Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis statistically combines the results of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect on the results. This type of study examines data from multiple studies, on the same subject, to determine trends. 

Outcomes from a meta-analysis may include a more precise estimate of the effect of treatment or risk factor for disease, or other outcomes, than any individual study contributing to the combined studies being analysed.

5. Mixed methods/mixed studies

Refers to any combination of methods where one significant component is a literature review (usually systematic review). For example, a mixed methods study might include a systematic review accompanied by interviews or by a stakeholder consultation. 

Within a review context, mixed methods studies refers to a combination of review approaches. For example, combining quantitative with qualitative research or outcome with process studies. 

Further reading:

• Duke University, Types of Reviews
• Systematic review types: meet the family  (Covidence)
• Systematic reviews and other types from Temple University
• A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies  (Grant & Booth, 2009).
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• Last Updated: Sep 11, 2024 7:40 AM
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Types of Research Reviews: Systematic Reviews

• Selecting a Review Type
• How to Write a Literature Review
• Scoping Reviews

Systematic Reviews

• Identifying Reputable Journals

Introduction to Systematic Reviews ❖

A systematic review is a comprehensive review of primary research on a specific research question in order to compile and analyze all relevant evidence. It reveals validity of data, study methods, and funding sources of research. TUC offers Cochrane Interactive Learning to all and is available on our A-Z Database list.

Guidance for reporting literature search methods for systematic reviews published

• Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist This checklist helps authors to improve the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and aid in critical appraisal.

The Steps of a Systematic Review ❖

First, determine that your research is at the stage to conduct a systematic review before starting the Systematic Review process. You will also need to assemble your team. Consult the PRISMA 2020 checklist for more detailed steps.

• Check for existing and ongoing systematic reviews on the topic. See the Find Systematic Reviews box on the left for places to search.
• Prepare your topic - fully describe the topic, type of question, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and methodologies.
• Create a protocol - select appropriate registry and register protocol.
• Design a search strategy - outline keywords, controlled vocabulary, subject categories, and facets to find studies for the review. You may want to consult a librarian at this time for help or to review your search strategy.
• Search for studies - use the library's databases and consult a librarian for resources available on your topic. Search multiple databases, follow research institution's instructions (e.g. Cochrane or JBI). Include grey literature.
• Document search results in your PRISMA flow diagram.
• Screen the studies - team members will need to review all studies for inclusion: first do title abstract screening with 2+ independent reviewers, then a full-text screen of selected studies with 2+ reviewers.
• Extract and prepare data.
• Analyze and synthesize the evidence.
• Report findings.

General overview of the Steps of a Systematic Review video by Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health.

What is a systematic review?

A booklet outlining the systematic review process by Pippa Hemingway, PhD BSc (Hons) RGN RSCN from School of Health and Related Research at University of Sheffield and Nic Brereton, PhD BSc (Hons).

Types of Systematic Reviews? ❖

Effectiveness Reviews  - A Synthesis of quantitative evidence to analyze the effectiveness of a treatment.

Diagnostic Test Accuracy Review  - Evaluates the quality of published studies to provide a summary of test performance

Etiology and Risk Review  - An assessment of the relationship between certain factors and the development of a disease or condition or other health outcome.

Costs/Economic Evidence Review  - A review of evidence from economic evaluations that addresses a question or questions about the cost-effectiveness of a health intervention.

Prevalence or Incidence Review  - Summarizes epidemiological studies to assess the prevalence or incidence of a clinical condition.

Mixed Methods Review  - A synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data.

Qualitative Evidence Reviews  - A synthesis of qualitative evidence from interviews, observations, focus groups, and field work where studies are conducted in a subject's natural setting in order to inform healthcare decision-making.

Umbrella Review  - A systematic review of systematic review. Includes a broad range of reviews conducted for potential interventions to establish pros and cons and potential outcomes of each treatment.

Meta-Synthesis  - To formulate a new interpretation of the research field by bringing together qualitative data. It primarily generates theories for programs, implementation, or interventions. 

Rapid Reviews  - A form of synthesizing evidence in a shorter time period than other Systematic Review types. Typically done in a short time frame and omits stages from the rigorous Systematic Review process. 

Systematic Review Software ❖

TUC offers premium access to Covidence, a systematic review management software. Click the link above to see our guide, which includes information on how to sign up and how to use it.

Guidelines ❖

JBI is a global organization promoting and supporting evidence-based decisions that improve health and health service delivery. It offers a unique range of solutions to   access, appraise and apply the best available evidence.

• JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis The JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis provides guidance to authors for the conduct and preparation of JBI systematic reviews and evidence syntheses.

A  Cochrane review  is a systematic review that attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize evidence to answer a specific research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit, systematic methods aimed at minimizing bias, to produce reliable findings to inform decision-making. We encourage authors of Cochrane reviews to update their published reviews to reflect the findings of new evidence when it becomes available. Cochrane reviews are valuable sources of information for those receiving and providing care, as well as for decision-makers and researchers.

• Animated Storyboard: What Are Systematic Reviews? An animated storyboard created by Cochrane to explain systematic reviews.
• Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Cochrane prepares, maintains and promotes systematic reviews (Cochrane Reviews) to inform decisions about health and social care.
• Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews (MECIR) The MECIR Standards are methodological standards to which all Cochrane Protocols, Reviews, and Updates are expected to adhere.
• Pre-submission checklists for authors Two checklists to ascertain that your draft protocol or review fulfill all the key technical and methodological requirements.
• Proposing and registering new Cochrane Reviews Instructions and resources to propose and register a review with Cochrane.

Other Useful Resources

Systematic review books ❖.

Other Useful Resources ❖

Find systematic reviews.

Systematic Review Data Repository (SRDR)

TRIP Database  

Searching for Studies

Systematic Searches Tutorials

Evaluating Reviews

CASP Checklist for Systematic Reviews

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• URL: https://libguides.tu.edu/reviews

Systematic Reviews

• What is a Systematic Review?
• Steps of a Systematic Review
• Systematic Review Types
• Literature Reviews

Page Contents

Choosing the right review, scoping or mapping reviews, integrative reviews, rapid reviews, umbrella reviews, medical library director.

Health Sciences Librarian

Upcoming Events: Systematic Reviews

Interested in learning more about systematic reviews in medicine and the health sciences belmont's medical library and bunch library are delighted to offer our three-workshop series in january-february 2025, which will provide an introduction to systematic review processes and how librarians can help. explore the workshops below, and make sure to register to receive the workshop link:, what is a systematic review .

Date: 24 January 2025, 12:00 PM, on Teams ( Register here )

Description:  While systematic reviews are generally considered to be at the top of the ‘evidence pyramid,’ not all are created equal! Come and learn about the purpose and steps of systematic reviews, the many types to choose from, and standards and guidelines available.

Which Review is Right for You?

Date: 31 January 2025, 12:00 PM, on Teams ( Register here )

Description:  Systematic, scoping, rapid, integrative… how do I know what review type is right for my research question? Come and discover the possibilities and pitfalls of different review types, and learn how to identify what types might be best for your research.

Systematic Approaches to Literature Reviews

Date: 7 February 2025, 12:00 PM, on Teams ( Register here )

Description:  There is a proliferation of reviews and review types, some with more methodological guidance than others. While systematic reviews are viewed as the gold standard, narrative reviews can contribute valuable new knowledge to a field. Come and learn how to take a systematic approach to any review to increase rigor and your chances of publication!  

Selecting the right review type for your research question is the first step for a successful review project. The following tools (or a librarian) can help you decide which review type is right for you:

• Cornell University Review Type Decision Tree
• Right Review From Dr. Andrea Tricco, a leading evidence synthesis methodologist, this decision tree will help you select the right review type based on your answers to some guiding questions.

In addition to the traditional Systematic Review, here are some other common review types:

Systematic review types chart.

Scoping or Mapping Review

• Answers a broad, topical question or questions 
• Risk of bias/critical appraisal not required 
• Synthesis is categorical for scoping review 
• Synthesis is a visual map for mapping review 

Sample Question (Scoping Review):  What are the various strategies that have been used to engage patients and families in pediatric health research?

Sample Article (Scoping Review):  Flynn R, Walton S, Scott SD. Engaging children and families in pediatric health research: a scoping review . Res Involv Engagem. 2019 Nov;5(32). 

Sample Question (Mapping Review):  Why do patients with ‘primary care sensitive’ problems seek help from ambulance services?

Sample Article (Mapping Review):  Booker, Matthew J., Ali R. G. Shaw, and Sarah Purdy. Why do Patients with 'Primary Care Sensitive' Problems Access Ambulance Services? A Systematic Mapping Review of the Literature . BMJ Open 2015, 5.5.

Resources for starting a scoping review:

• Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework . International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19-32. 
• Peters, M., Marnie, C., Tricco, A.C., Pollock, D., Munn, Z., Alexander, L., McInerney, P., Godfrey, C.M., & Khalil, H. (2020). Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews . JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18(10), 2119-2126. 
• Peters MDJ, Godfrey C, McInerney P, Munn Z, Tricco AC, Khalil, H. Chapter 10: Scoping Reviews In: Aromataris E, Munn Z (Editors). JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, JBI, 2024. Available from   https://synthesismanual.jbi.global .  

Integrative Review

• Summarizes literature about a healthcare problem or phenomenon, potentially utilizing both empirical and theoretical literature 
• Allows for the combination of publications with diverse methodologies (e.g. experimental and non-experimental research) 
• Popular in nursing research literature 

Sample Question:  What factors are associated with major depression and suicide risk among nursing professionals?

Sample Article:  Silva, Tavares, N. V. da S., Alexandre, A. R. G., Freitas, D. A., Brêda, M. Z., Albuquerque, M. C. D. S. de, & Melo, V. L. de N. (2015). Depression and suicide risk among nursing professionals: an integrative review . Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da U S P, 49(6), 1027–1031. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000600020

Resources for starting in integrative review:

• Whittemore, & Knafl, K. (2005). The integrative review: updated methodology . Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52(5), 546–553. 
• Hopia, Latvala, E., & Liimatainen, L. (2016). Reviewing the methodology of an integrative review . Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 30(4), 662–669. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12327 
• Toronto, C. E., & Remington, R. (Eds.). (2020). A step-by-step guide to conducting an integrative review . Springer. 

Rapid Review

• A systematic review with shortcuts (e.g. a limited search) 
• Useful for addressing issues that need a quick decision, such as developing policy recommendations or treatment recommendations for emergent conditions. 
• Enables a faster review process but may introduce bias 

Sample Question:  Are digital contact tracing technologies effective during infectious disease outbreaks?

Sample Article:  Anglemyer A, Moore THM, Parker L, Chambers T, Grady A, Chiu K, Parry M, Wilczynska M, Flemyng E, Bero L. Digital contact tracing technologies in epidemics: a rapid review . Cochrane Database  of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD013699.

Resources for starting a rapid review:

• Cochrane Methods: Rapid Reviews  
• Khangura, S., Konnyu, K., Cushman, R. et al. Evidence summaries: the evolution of a rapid review approach . Syst Rev 1, 10 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-1-10
• Maureen Dobbins, R., PhD. (2017). Rapid Review Guidebook: Steps for conducting a rapid review.  
• Tricco, A. C., Antony, J., Zarin, W., Strifler, L., Ghassemi, M., Ivory, J., . . . Straus, S. E. (2015). A scoping review of rapid review methods . BMC Med, 13, 224. doi:10.1186/s12916-015-0465-6

Umbrella Review

• A review of other systematic reviews 
• Often attempts to answer a broader question than a systematic review typically would. 
• Useful when there are competing interventions to consider. 

Sample Question: What is the global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate, and what factors determine that acceptance rate?

Sample Article:  Abate BB, Tilahun BD, Yayeh BM. Global COVID-19 vaccine acceptance level and its determinants: an umbrella review . BMC Public Health. 2024 Jan 2;24(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-17497-4.

Resources for starting an umbrella review:

• Chapter 9: Umbrella Reviews – from the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis   
• Fusar-Poli P, Radua J. Ten simple rules for conducting umbrella reviews . Evid Based Ment Health. 2018 Aug;21(3):95-100. doi: 10.1136/ebmental-2018-300014.
• Aromataris, Edoardo et al. Summarizing Systematic Reviews: Methodological Development, Conduct and Reporting of an Umbrella Review Approach . International journal of evidence-based healthcare 13.3 (2015): 132–140. 

Fifty Shades of Review with Andrew Booth (2016) - a recorded webinar and resource toolkit 

Grant, M.J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 different review types and associated methodologies . Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26: 91-108. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x 

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• Next: Literature Reviews >>
• Last Updated: Dec 14, 2024 6:30 PM
• URL: https://belmont.libguides.com/systematicreviews

Introduction to Systematic Reviews

In this guide.

• Introduction
• Types of Reviews
• Systematic Review Process
• Protocols & Guidelines
• Data Extraction and Screening
• Resources & Tools

Before You Start Checklist

Are you ready to carry out a knowledge synthesis project such as a systematic review, meta-analysis, or scoping review? Remember that systematic reviews require:

• a team to carry out screening, extraction, and critical appraisal methods
• a significant amount of time to complete
• enough high quality studies to make a systematic review feasible
• a rigorous protocol (that should be registered)
• adherence to transparent and rigorous methods
• a strong project management component with defined goals, responsibilities, deliverables, and timelines 
• financial resources to complete the project 

What Review Is Right For You?

If you're unsure what type of knowledge synthesis best suits your research purposes, follow along this flowchart or complete this short quiz to find your personalized review methodologies: https://whatreviewisrightforyou.knowledgetranslation.net/

Reproduced from  "What type of review could you write?" Yale Medical Library. 

Types of Knowledge Syntheses

Conducting effective reviews is essential to advance the knowledge and understand the breadth of research on a topic; synthesize existing evidence; develop theories or provide a conceptual background for subsequent research; and identify research gaps. However, there are over 100 different kinds of reviews to choose from. The following provides a comparison of common review types.

Reproduced from Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26 (2), 91-108. DOI: 10.1111/J.1471-1842.2009.00848.X

Fifty Shades of Review - Dr Andrew Booth from ScHARR Library on Youtube .

Books on Knowledge Synthesis

• Finding What Works in Health Care by Jill Eden (Editor); Laura Levit (Editor); Alfred Berg (Editor); Sally Morton (Editor); Committee on Standards for Systematic Reviews of Comparative Effectiveness Research; Institute of Medicine; Board on Health Care Services Staff ISBN: 0309164257 Publication Date: 2011

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Systematic Review Guide

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Types of Literature Reviews

There are many different types of literature reviews or knowledge syntheses, from the traditional narrative literature review to the rigorous meta-analysis, and each has its own methodology. It's important for you to make sure that your research question fits the type of review you are undertaking and that you follow the appropriate methodological guidelines.

Search Right Review  for guidance and supporting materials on the methods for the conduct and reporting of knowledge synthesis. 

Literature Reviews Explained (LitR-Ex)  provides evidence-informed practical guides to conducting literature reviews in (but not limited to) health professions education.

What is a Systematic Review?

“A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a given research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit methods aimed at minimizing bias in order to produce more reliable findings that can be used to inform decision making.”

- Cochrane Library, About Cochrane Systematic Reviews and Protocols

What is a Systematic Review? by the Campbell Collaboration

What is a Meta-Analysis?

A meta-analysis is a type of systematic review that has a s tatistical analysis of the data pooled from multiple studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Not all systematic reviews include meta-analysis, but all meta-analyses will include a systematic review of the evidence.

See: Crombie, Iain K., and Huw T. Davies. What is meta-analysis? (2nd Ed). (2009): 1-8.

What is a Scoping Review?

A scoping review investigates the general state of a research question and locates gaps in the literature.

“A scoping review or scoping study is a form of knowledge synthesis that addresses an exploratory research question aimed at mapping key concepts, types of evidence, and gaps in research related to a defined area or field by systematically searching, selecting, and synthesizing existing knowledge”

Colquhoun HL, Levac D, O'Brien KK, Straus S, Tricco AC, Perrier L, Kastner M, Moher D.  Scoping reviews: time for clarity in definition, methods, and reporting . J Clin Epidemiol. 2014 Dec;67(12):1291-4. 

Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology .  Implement Sci . 2010;5:69. Published 2010 Sep 20. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-5-69

There are PRISMA reporting standards for scoping reviews:

Tricco AC, Lillie E, Zarin W, O'Brien KK, Colquhoun H, Levac D, et al. PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. Ann Intern Med. [Epub ahead of print ] doi: 10.7326/M18-0850 

Other Types of Reviews

Literature Review

A generic term for an article that provide a narrative summary of the literature on a given topic. It may or may not include a comprehensive search or quality assessment. 

Rapid Review 

"Rapid reviews are a form of knowledge synthesis in which components of the systematic review process are simplified or omitted to produce information in a timely manner." 

Khangura S, Konnyu K, Cushman R, Grimshaw J, Moher D. Evidence summaries: the evolution of a rapid review approach . Syst Rev. 2012 Feb 10;1:10.

Dobbins, M. Rapid Review Guidebook . Hamilton, ON: National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. 2017

World Health Organization, Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research.  Rapid reviews to strengthen health policy and systems: a practical guide . 2017

Realist Review / Synthesis 

A synthesis of complex social interventions to explore how contextual factors influence the link between intervention and outcome (summed up in the question "what works, how, for whom, in what circumstances and to what extent?")..." 

Wong G, Greenhalgh T, Westhorp G, Buckingham J, Pawson R. RAMESES publication standards: realist syntheses . BMC Med. 2013 Jan 29;11:21.

Umbrella Review (A Review of Reviews)

A synthesis of the findings from systematic reviews on the same question. The analysis may be on the reviews or the studies within the reviews.

Further Reading:

• Grant MJ, Booth A. A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Info  Libr  J. 2009 Jun;26(2):91-108.  See  Table 1: Main review types characterized by methods used . 
• Munn Z, Stern C, Aromataris E, Lockwood C, Jordan Z.  What kind of systematic review should I conduct?   A proposed typology and guidance for systematic reviewers in the medical and health sciences.  BMC Med Res Meth. 2018; 18(1):5. 
• Munn Z, Peters MDJ, Stern C, Tufanaru C, McArthur A, Aromataris E. Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach . BMC Medical Research Methodology. 2018;18(1):143.   
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