Select the Type of Review

What to Consider

  • Scope: Is the question narrow or broad?
  • Time Constraints: Systematic reviews may take 12–18 months; rapid reviews are faster but less rigorous.
  • Nature of the Evidence: Does your field have quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research?
Some Types of Reviews
Type of Review Definition Example Question
Systematic Review Comprehensive, structured synthesis of studies to answer a specific research question. May include a meta-analysis.  Does mindfulness reduce anxiety in college students compared to no intervention?
Meta-Analysis Statistical synthesis of quantitative data from multiple studies. What is the effect size of exercise on reducing symptoms of depression?
Scoping Review Broad mapping of existing evidence to explore knowledge gaps. Does not synthesize results like a systematic review. What interventions are used to manage stress among university students?
Narrative Review

Qualitatively summarizes existing research on a topic, offering an overview of trends, theories, and gaps without strict systematic methods or a focused research question.

What are the historical and cultural perspectives on the relationship between mindfulness and mental health?

For a comprehensive typology of reviews*, see:

Sutton, A., Clowes, M., Preston, L., & Booth, A. (2019). Meeting the review family: Exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 36(3), 202–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/hir.12276

*The article focuses on health sciences reviews, but the typology is applicable across several disciplines.

Define Your Research Question

Why This Matters: A clearly defined research question ensures focus and guides every step of the synthesis process.

Use a Framework to Structure Your Question:

  • PICO: Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome
  • PICo: Population, Phenomenon of Interest, Context (for qualitative research)
  • SPICE: Setting, Perspective, Intervention, Comparison, Evaluation
  • SPIDER: Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research Type

Example Using PICO:

  • Population (P): College students.
  • Intervention (I): Mindfulness-based stress reduction.
  • Comparison (C): Cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Outcome (O): Reduction in anxiety symptoms.
  • Final Question: Is mindfulness more effective than CBT for reducing anxiety in college students?

Establish Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Definition: Criteria used to decide which studies to include or exclude.

How to Define Criteria:

  1. Population: Who is being studied? Age, gender, location, etc.
  2. Intervention/Exposure: What is being done or experienced?
  3. Comparison: What alternative interventions, if any, are considered?
  4. Outcome: What outcomes are measured?

Example:

  • Inclusion: Studies examining adults (18–65) with anxiety disorders; randomized controlled trials; interventions lasting > 6 weeks
  • Exclusion: Studies with children; non-English language studies.

Assemble Your Team

Team Roles:

  • Librarian: Search strategy development (see service levels available).
  • Subject Expert: Contextual knowledge and study evaluation.
  • Data Analyst: Statistical synthesis or qualitative analysis.

Best Practice: A minimum of two reviewers for screening and a third reviewer to resolve conflicts.