Conducting a Systematic Literature Review

Summary

Conducting research can be simplified by understanding the distinctions between primary and secondary research. Primary research involves direct data collection, requiring ethical approval, while secondary research utilizes existing data without such approval. A systematic literature review, a specific type of secondary research, intentionally selects data based on criteria like scope and relevance. It goes beyond a typical literature review by analyzing key themes and findings, identifying gaps, and drawing conclusions that inform the research question. The final interpretation highlights significant themes and suggests areas for further investigation, providing a structured approach to understanding the research landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Research can be categorized as either primary or secondary.
• 😀 Primary research involves collecting data directly from subjects and requires ethical approval.
• 😀 Secondary research relies on existing data and does not require ethical approval.
• 😀 A systematic literature review is a specific methodology for conducting secondary research.
• 😀 Unlike a general literature review, a systematic literature review involves a purposeful selection of data.
• 😀 Key components of a systematic literature review include identifying types of information and inclusion criteria.
• 😀 A coding guide is essential for extracting themes and key information from selected works.
• 😀 Analyzing findings involves categorizing them and identifying commonalities and differences.
• 😀 The final step is interpreting findings in relation to the research question and identifying gaps or contradictions.
• 😀 The report should clarify the methodology and insights gained from the findings in relation to the research question.

Q & A

What are the two main types of research?

The two main types of research are primary and secondary research. Primary research involves gathering data directly from research subjects, while secondary research involves using existing data.

What is the significance of ethical approval in research?

Ethical approval is necessary for primary research since it involves direct interaction with human subjects. Secondary research does not require ethical approval because it utilizes data that already exists.

What distinguishes a systematic literature review from a general literature review?

A systematic literature review is a structured approach that intentionally selects and analyzes specific data sources, whereas a general literature review provides a broad overview of existing literature in a field.

What steps are involved in conducting a systematic literature review?

The steps include identifying types of information to include, establishing inclusion criteria, conducting a thorough reading of selected works, categorizing findings, and interpreting results in relation to the research question.

What types of sources can be included in a systematic literature review?

Sources can include policy documents, journal articles, book chapters, blogs, and other relevant materials.

How can a coding guide assist in a systematic literature review?

A coding guide helps discern which works to include in the review by outlining the selection criteria and ensuring a systematic approach to analyzing the literature.

Why is it important to note exclusions in your systematic literature review?

Noting exclusions is important to provide transparency and justification for the selection process, demonstrating how included works meet the established criteria.

What are some common tasks during the analysis phase of a systematic literature review?

During the analysis phase, researchers categorize findings, identify common themes, and look for differences among the selected works.

What should the final report of a systematic literature review include?

The final report should include an interpretation of findings, discussions on gaps or contradictions in the research, and recommendations for future research.

How can findings from a systematic literature review inform further research?

Findings can highlight areas needing further investigation, identify best practices, and suggest potential responses to the initial research question.