Research Guides: Systematic Reviews: Welcome!

What is a systematic review?

A systematic review (SR) attempts to collate all empirical evidence to answer a specific research question. It minimizes bias by using a predefined protocol.

Key Features:

clearly defined, answerable question with inclusion and exclusion criteria;
rigorous, systematic search of literature;
two screening phases conducted by at least two independent screeners
data extraction and management;
analysis and interpretation of results;
risk of bias assessment of included studies;
published report

SR is a form of original (primary) research. In an SR, the "research subjects" are individual studies. These studies are selected and collated to answer a research question. SRs began in clinical medicine, and the methodology has been adapted for other fields.

What are the steps in a systematic review?

Develop a research question
PICO is most common format. Check to avoid duplication of effort.
Write and register a protocol
Make detailed plan in advance to minimize bias. Register in Prospero, etc.
Search the evidence
Search strategy should be replicable, often peer-reviewed.. Library databases, gray literature, hand searching.
Screen results
Use include/exclude criteria from protocol.
Appraise for quality and bias
Extract data
Spreadsheet or specialized software such as Covidence may be used.
Write and publish SR
Think about possible outlets before you begin. Look at published examples and guidelines.

WKU Libraries' subject specialists can assist with search strategy, and provide guidance and resources on the systematic review process.