Report and document your search - Criminology – Systematic Review

Recommended practice

In the methodology section of a systematic review, it's important to clearly explain the criteria for including and excluding studies. In this section it's also recommended to outline the search strategy concisely and in greater detail within a separate search template provided in an appendix. The study selection process should be documented using a PRISMA flow diagram.

Reporting guidelines

PRISMA

Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), is an international guideline for how a systematic review should be reported.

PRISMA Statement - Guidelines for Reporting Systematic Reviews

Report study selection - PRISMA Flow Diagram

A common practice in systematic reviews is to use a flow diagram, like a PRISMA flow diagram, to summarize the process of searching for and evaluating literature. This diagram breaks down stages including identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, giving a clear overview of the number of studies included and excluded at each stage.

Document your search

According to the requirements of a systematic review methodology, the search strategy that led to the selected articles should be well-described. By using the search template, you ensure that all essential components are included:

Name of database

Date when the search was performed

Which search terms did you use (subject headings and/or free key words)

Combination of search terms and search strings (AND, OR)

Limits (peer review, date, publication etc.)