Criminology

What is a systematic literature review?

• Aim to locate, appraise and synthesize evidence related to the research question.
• Searches in databases are thorough and reproducible.
• Aim to identify as many eligible studies as possible, but due to time and resource constraints it might be necessary to have a balance between comprehensiveness and maintaining a manageable search result.
• Critical appraisal checklists are used to critically appraise the included studies.
• Full description of the review process with all the key methodological decisions explained.
• Rigorous method when it comes to searching, appraising and reporting helps to minimize bias, and is a major difference distinguishing systematic reviews from traditional narrative reviews.

Typology of systematic literature reviews

Systematic reviews can be categorized by the purpose for the review. Xiao, Y and Watson, M group literature reviews into four different categories: describe, test, extend and critique.

Describe

A systematic review that aims to describe and synthesize the included studies. Doesn't seek to analyze or otherwise expand upon the data extracted from the  included studies.

Test

A systematic review that aims to test a hypothesis or answer a specific research question. A testing systematic review of quantitative literature uses statistical analysis, which is called a meta analysis.

Extend

A systematic review that extends and goes beyond summarizing the included studies. Seek to analyze and attempts to expand upon the included studies to create new higher order constructs.

Critique

A systematic review that aims to compare the included studies against a predefined set of criteria. Studies are not synthesized with respect to each other but rather against the predefined criteria.

Xiao Y, Watson M, (2019) Guidance on Conducting a Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 39(1), 93–112. 19p.