Reviewing Research: Literature Reviews, Scoping Reviews, Systematic Reviews: Framework, Protocol, and Writing Steps
Using a framework to structure your question
Frameworks for research question:
SPICE:
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SPIDER:
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WWH:
What was done? (intervention, exposure, policy, phenomenon) How does the what affect the who? |
- Frameworks for research questions in different disciplines(University of Maryland)
The process for developing a research question with concept map. (Central Michigan University Libraries)
This research guide offers a comprehensive explanation on the different framework models and provides examples. (James Cook University
What is a protocol
The protocol is the plan or methodology of your scoping or systematic review, it describes the rationale, hypothesis, and planned methods of the review. It should be prepared before a review is started and used as a guide to carry out the review.
http://www.prisma-statement.org/Protocols/Default.aspx
The protocol should detail the criteria that the reviewers intend on using to include and exclude studies and to identify what data is relevant, and how the data will be extracted and mapped. It can be refined, as needed (report any changes).
- PRISMA for systematic review protocols (PRISMA-P)PRISMA-P was published in 2015 aiming to facilitate the development and reporting of systematic review protocols. Includes checklist.
- PRISMA ScR Extension Fillable ChecklistThe checklists can be downloaded for review authors to refer to when reporting scoping reviews to ensure they are in line with the PRISMA scoping reviews extension.
- PRISMA Flow DiagramThe flow diagram depicts the flow of information through the different phases of a systematic review. It maps out the number of records identified, included and excluded, and the reasons for exclusions. Different templates are available depending on the type of review (new or updated) and sources used to identify studies.
Steps in Literature Review Process
Step 1: Define your research topic (define/refine scope)
Step 2: Identify the type of literature you will search (book chapters, articles, gray literature, case studies) criteria: dates, geographic region, methodology
Step 3: Search the literature, keep track of keywords, look at subject headings, track citations (EndNote)
Step 4: Analyze and evaluate the collected literature: major themes, contrary themes, experts in the field, methodologies, popular theories, changes in perception or thoughts over time
Step 5: Categorize your citations: theme, chronological, theoretical, methodological
Step 5: Develop thesis statement or purpose statement
Step 6: Write paper
Step 7: Review your paper
Writing Literature Reviews by Call Number: ebookThis useful guide educates students in the preparation of literature reviews for term projects, theses, and dissertations. The authors provide numerous examples from published reviews that illustrate the guidelines discussed throughout the book. Each chapter breaks down the larger holistic review of literature exercise into a series of smaller, manageable steps Practical instructions for navigating today's digital libraries Comprehensive discussions about digital tools, including bibliographic and plagiarism detection software
Steps in Scoping Review Process
Step 1: Develop a protocol
Step 2: State your review question/objectives clearly
Step 3: Establish your criteria with rationale
Step 4: Search first database, scan references
search appropriate databases
Step 5: Search grey literature, if applicable
Step 6: Screen titles and a abstract by at least 2 reviewers
Step 7: Screen full text by at least 2 reviewers
Step 8: Charting form
Step 9: Chart data by at least 2 reviewers
Step 10: Present findings in diagrams or tables
- JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis11.1 Introduction to Scoping reviews
11.2 Development of a scoping review protocol
11.3 The scoping review and summary of the evidence
Arksey, & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616 UB Libraries online access
The article distinguishes between different types of scoping studies and indicate where these stand in relation to full systematic reviews. It consider the advantages and limitations of the approach and suggest that a wider debate is called for about the role of the scoping study in relation to other types of literature reviews.
Steps in Systematic Review Process
Step 1: Frame the research question
Step 2: Develop the protocol
Step 3: Engage a librarian to help with a comprehensive search of the literature
Step 4: Assess the retrieved articles by scanning titles and abstracts based on criteria with at least 2 reviewers
Step 5: Assess and evaluate the results with at least 2 reviewers (full text)
Step 6: Manage and report data (PRISMA 2020)
Step 6: Extract data with at least 2 reviewers
Step 7: Analyze results
Step 8: Interpret results
Khan, K. S., Kunz, R., Kleijnen, J., & Antes, G. (2003). Five steps to conducting a systematic review. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 96(3), 118–121. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC539417/