ACROSS FAMILIES/ Review & synthesis
Systematic review
Answer a bounded question with an auditable search
A systematic review uses explicit eligibility criteria, a reproducible search, documented selection, critical appraisal and a planned synthesis to answer a defined question. The synthesis may be statistical, qualitative or structured textual analysis. PRISMA is a reporting guideline for explaining what was done; it is neither a review method nor a guarantee of low bias.
WHEN IT FITS
Use when a decision requires an accountable assessment of existing evidence and the team can obtain reports, conduct calibrated screening and appraise the relevant study designs.
Strengths
- Makes inclusion decisions and evidence gaps inspectable
- Integrates evidence beyond a single study
Limitations
- Search and screening demand substantial time
- A comprehensive search cannot remove bias in the underlying studies
Know the boundary
PRISMA compliance does not establish methodological quality; systematic reviews need not include meta-analysis.
USED ACROSS
Banking & financeBusiness & MBAPsychologyComputer scienceEducation