ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the logic and nature of using rigorous and explicit methods to systematically review existing literature pertaining to a research question. This can include the mapping of research studies that have been undertaken on a topic as well as the synthesis of findings of such studies to answer a specific research question. Reviews tell us what research has been undertaken and what we do know from that research (and how we know it), and this informs what further research we might want to undertake (and how we might do it). Reviews are thus a core initial component in any research strategy. They can also be a means to engage non-researchers in policy, professional and democratic debates involving research evidence. The chapter discusses the diversity in approaches to reviewing that reflect the variation in types of research questions and research methods in the social, behavioural and medical sciences. The standard steps in undertaking systematic reviews are introduced, leading to a consideration of the justifiable evidence claims that can be made from their findings.