Conducting a systematic literature review is a rigorous and comprehensive process that aims to identify, evaluate, and synthesize existing research relevant to a specific research question or topic. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a systematic literature review:
1. Define the Research Question:
- Clearly articulate the research question or objective of the review. It should be focused and specific to guide the search process effectively.
2. Develop Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:
- Establish criteria for including or excluding studies in the review. This may include factors such as publication date, study design, population, intervention, outcome measures, and language.
3. Conduct a Comprehensive Search:
- Use multiple academic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to search for relevant literature. Employ specific keywords and Boolean operators to create a comprehensive search strategy.
4. Screen and Select Studies:
- Review the titles and abstracts of the identified studies based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Select studies that meet the criteria for full-text review.
5. Assess Study Quality:
- Evaluate the quality of the selected studies using appropriate tools or checklists for different study designs (e.g., CONSORT for randomized controlled trials, Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for qualitative research).
6. Extract Data:
- Develop a data extraction form to systematically extract relevant information from each selected study. This may include details about the study design, sample size, methodology, results, and conclusions.
7. Analyze and Synthesize Findings:
- Analyze the data extracted from the selected studies and synthesize the findings. Identify patterns, trends, and consistencies across the literature.
8. Interpret Results:
- Discuss the implications of the findings in the context of the research question. Address any limitations of the included studies and potential biases.
9. Write the Review:
- Organize the literature review following a clear structure, including an introduction, methods section, results section, discussion, and conclusion.
10. Peer Review and Feedback:
- Share the review with colleagues or experts in the field to gather feedback and ensure the quality and accuracy of the review.
11. Update the Review:
- Systematic literature reviews are time-sensitive, and new research may emerge after the review is conducted. Consider updating the review periodically to include recent studies.
Remember, conducting a systematic literature review requires patience, attention to detail, and adherence to a structured approach to ensure the reliability and validity of the results. It's also beneficial to follow established guidelines such as the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement to enhance the transparency and quality of the review process.
1.Siddaway AP, Wood AM, Hedges LV. How to Do a Systematic Review: A Best Practice Guide for Conducting and Reporting Narrative Reviews, Meta-Analyses, and Meta-Syntheses. Annu Rev Psychol. 2019 Jan 4;70:747-770. doi: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010418-102803. Epub 2018 Aug 8. PMID: 30089228.
2.RevMan: Systematic review and meta-analysis tool for researchers worldwide | Cochrane RevMan
There is a paper titled "how to do systematic review" in annual review of psychology. Please go through it
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