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Literature review vs.systematic review

A literature review is a type of writing that explores, analyses and synthesizes current literature around a particular topic or area of study. It can be included as part of a broader submission such as a research thesis or a report, or it may be a standalone essay assignment. It considers related texts together, comparing and contrasting them with each other.

Note that a literature review is not simply a summary of articles and sources, but rather a well-woven review of related literature. It looks for aspects of consensus and explores areas of academic disagreement within the scope of the theme or area being addressed by the review.

A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a given research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit methods aimed at minimizing bias, in order to produce more reliable findings that can be used to inform decision making. (See Section 1.2 in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions).

Choose your review

 

What is involved in a literature review?

A literature review typically involves the following steps:

  1. Identifying the research question or topic that you want to explore.
  2. Searching and selecting relevant literature and sources.
  3. Reading and evaluating the literature for its quality, relevance, and significance.
  4. Organizing and synthesizing the information obtained from the literature.
  5. Writing a review that summarizes the major findings, identifies gaps in the literature, and suggests areas for future research.

What is a systematic review?

Systematic reviews aim to bring together all the best quality evidence on a topic to answer a particular research question. Systematic reviews are defined by their rigour, transparency and objectivity. Authors conduct thorough literature searches, then use pre-specified eligibility criteria to include studies for analysis. The entire process is well-documented in order to facilitate replication. Because of the exhaustive nature of the searching and analysis, systematic reviews are commonly done in teams. 

You might undertake a systematic review under the following circumstances:

  • You want to bring together all the known research on a topic
  • There are conflicting findings in existing research
  • There are underpowered studies with non-significant outcomes in your field
  • You want to see how others have addressed a question
  • Existing systematic reviews don't cover the population/study type you are interested in

Explore the Guidelines tab on this page to find materials that will take you through the systematic review process step by step. 

Adapted from Salis, A. Systematically review the literature [Webinar]. Salis Institute. https://www.salisinstitute.com/

Are systematic reviews the best study design for you? Here is a guide to some of the literature review types available and their key characteristics.

  Systematic Review Integrative Review Scoping Review Literature Review
Purpose & Features

To evaluate all the best quality evidence on a topic to answer a particular research question.

Rigorous with explicit and reproducible methodology. Inclusion criteria, search strategies and analysis details are included.

Gather and synthesize both empirical and theoretical evidence relevant to a clearly defined problem.

States inclusion criteria, search strategy, extraction, appraisal and analysis plan.

Assess the size and scope of existing literature on a topic, generally conducted when literature is diverse in type. Does not aim to answer a particular question.

Rigorous with explicit and reproducible methodology. Inclusion criteria, search strategies and methods are included.

Broad, selective view of the literature on a topic.

Analysis may be chronological, conceptual or thematic.

Usually lacks inclusion criteria and search strategies.

Not comprehensive and vulnerable to bias.
Research Question

Specific

Directly linked to the identified problem, where there is a knowledge gap

May be broad

 Not specific
Literature types included

Well-defined; usually primary research.

Empirical and theoretical types.

All types depending on the research question.

 High-quality peer-reviewed articles, but also may include conference papers, news or other credible sources.
Data Extraction Always Varies depending on objectives Varies depending on objectives Not required

Further reading

Dobbins, M. (2017). Rapid review guidebook. National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. https://www.nccmt.ca/tools/rapid-review-guidebook

Grant, M.J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91–108. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x

Munn, Z., Peters, M. D. J., Stern, C., Tufanaru, C., McArthur, A., & Aromataris, E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 18(1), 143–143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x

Toronto, C., & Remington, R. (2020). A step-by-step guide to conducting an integrative review. Springer International. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37504-1

Dhollande S., Taylor A., Meyer S., & Scott M. (2021) Conducting integrative reviews: a guide for novice nursing researchers. Journal of Research in Nursing, 26(5), 427-438. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987121997907

 

What is a systematic review?

Watch the video below to understand what a systematic review involves then visit our Systematic Review Subject Guide

Cochrane systematic review:

Kumar, A., Delbaere, K., Zijlstra, G. A. R., Carpenter, H., Iliffe, S., Masud, T., Skelton, D., Morris, R., & Kenick, D. (2014). Exercise for reducing fear of falling in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009848.pub2

Qualitative systematic review:

Mytton, J., Ingram, J., Manns, S., & Thomas, J. (2014). Facilitators and Barriers to Engagement in Parenting Programs: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Health Education & Behavior, 41(2), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198113485755

Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) systematic review:

Ellwood, L., Torun, G., Bahar, Z., & Fernandez, R. (2019). Effects of flavonoid-rich fruits on hypertension in adults: A systematic review. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, 17, 2075-2105. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBISRIR-D-19-00050

Mixed methods systematic review:

Kinsella, N., Stattin, P., Cahill, D., Brown, C., Bill-Axelson, A., Bratt, O., Carlsson, S., & Van Hemelrijck, M. (2018). Factors influencing men’s choice of and adherence to active surveillance for low-risk prostate cancer: A mixed-method systematic review. European Urology, 74(3), 261–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2018.02.026

The following documents provide guidance for what to include in a systematic review, and best practices for conducting them.