By Shashikant Nishant Sharma
A Literature review is an essential element of any research study. It helps to understand existing knowledge, identify research shortcomings and create a theoretical foundation for new research. Over time, various Methods and frames have been developed to make literature journals in a more systematic and transparent way. Here are some of the key techniques:
1 and 1 Investigation into traditional literature (narrative review)
Preview::
- Also called narrativeIt's the most conventional And flexible approach.
- Implies the summary and synthesis of existing literature according to the author's subjective selection.
Key characteristics::
- Wide overview of a subject.
- Thematic or chronological organization.
- Focuses on theoretical perspectives, concepts and debates.
Strength::
- Useful for conceptual exploration or theoretical discussions.
- Allowed Interpretation and critical thinking.
Boundaries::
- No formal methodologymaking him subject to bias.
- Less reproducible and transparent compared to systematic journals.
2 Systematic literature review (SLR)
Preview::
- A rigorous and structured Method to review the literature.
- Seeks to identify, assess and synthesize all relevant studies on a specific subject or question.
Steps involved::
- Define a research question.
- Develop Inclusion / exclusion criteria.
- To drive Systematic research in databases.
- Screen Titles, summaries and complete texts.
- Extract data And Analyze the results.
Strength::
- Reproducible and transparent.
- Minimizes biases.
- Adapted to Research based on evidence.
Boundaries::
- Long and complex.
- Can exclude qualitative information.
Use case::
- Medicine, education, social sciences and policies development.
3 and 3 Prisma (preferred report elements for systematic journals and meta-analyzes)
Preview::
- Prisma is a reportnot an exam method in itself.
- It provides a Control list and flow diagram To improve transparency and quality of systematic journals and meta-analyzes.
Key components::
- 27 elements check-list Covering the title, summary, introduction, methods, results, discussion and financing.
- Organization chart showing the selection of the study: identification → screening → Eligibility → included.
Strength::
- Assured high quality reports.
- Promotion Clarity, transparency and replicability.
Boundaries::
- Requires strict membership in directives.
- More suited to systematic journals and meta-analyzes than general narrative magazines.
Use case::
- Frequently used in health sciencesPsychology, education and social policy.
4 Salsa framework (research, evaluation, synthesis, analysis)
Preview::
- A Structured model For literature reviews introduced by Booth et al.
- Sales systematic rigor with flexibility.
Components::
- Research: Identify literature using keywords, databases and gray literature.
- Assessment: Evaluate the quality, relevance and rigor of each study.
- Synthesis: Group results, compare and contrast.
- Analysis: Interpret the results, identify the gaps and draw implications.
Strength::
- Allows a Structured but adaptable approach.
- Is suitable for both qualitative and quantitative studies.
Boundaries::
- Always requires a researcher's judgment for synthesis and analysis.
Use case::
- Useful for interdisciplinary research, education and social sciences.
5 Scope
Preview::
- Explore the extent, scope and nature research on a subject.
- Often used to map evidence and identify gaps.
Key characteristics::
- Large focus.
- No detailed quality assessment (unlike systematic journals).
- May include gray literature.
Strength::
- Ideal for exploration ends.
- Helps formulate specific research questions.
Boundaries::
- May lack the summary depth.
- Generally does not assess the quality of the study.
Use case::
- Preliminary step of major projects or the development of politicians.
6. Meta-analysis
Preview::
- A quantitative extension of a systematic review.
- Combines the statistical data of several studies to calculate a Size of the grouped effect.
Key characteristics::
- Requires studies with Similar conceptions and measurable results.
- Provides a digital summary of evidence.
Strength::
- Increase statistical power.
- Helps confirm the models.
Boundaries::
- Not adapted to qualitative data.
- Requires statistical expertise.
7 Meta-synthesis
Preview::
- A technique to integrate and interpret qualitative Research results.
- Concentrates on Conceptual themes and models.
Strength::
- Deepens understanding of human experiences and perceptions.
- Useful in social sciences and human sciences.
Boundaries::
- Subjective interpretation.
- Cannot be generalized statistically.
8 Rapid review
Preview::
- A effective Alternative to systematic journals.
- Uses rationalized methods for a summary of rapid evidence.
Strength::
- Faster and less with a high intensity of resources.
- Useful for urgent policy or decision -making.
Boundaries::
- Can compromise rigor and completeness.
9. Integrative review
Preview::
- Integrates the data of both experimental and non -experimental studies.
- Summates past empirical and theoretical literature.
Strength::
- Offer a complete understanding complex phenomena.
- Flexible and inclusive.
Boundaries::
- Requires careful organization and a strong justification.
🔍 Comparison of the main examination techniques
| Technical | Scope | Rigor | Time required | Adapted to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrative | Wide | Weak | Short | General understanding |
| Systematic review | Concentrate | High | Long | Evidence -based studies |
| Prisma | Concentrate | Very high | Long | Medical journals / Social Sciences |
| SALSA | Moderate | AVERAGE | Moderate | Thematic journals, education |
| Scope | Wide | AVERAGE | Moderate | Cartography of literature |
| Meta-analysis | Narrow | Very high | Long | Quantitative studies |
| Meta-synthesis | Narrow | AVERAGE | Long | Qualitative research |
| Rapid review | Concentrate | AVERAGE | Short | Time sensitive subjects |
| Integrative review | Moderate | AVERAGE | Moderate | Summary of mixed methods |
✍️ Conclusion
Choosing the right review of the literature depends on your Research objectives, available time, study area and data type. For a basic understanding, a narrative review may be enough, while a systematic or guided review is essential for Disciplines based on evidence. Methods like SALSA,, scopeAnd meta-syntheses Offer flexible and in -depth alternatives for complex or interdisciplinary subjects.
Each technique, when used correctly, strengthens the basics of your research and improves the Quality and credibility of your academic work.
References
- Dehalwar, K. and Sharma, SN (2025). Fundamentals of writing research and use of research methodologies. EDUDODIA PUBLICATIONS PVT Ltd.
- Sharma, SN and Dehalwar, K. (2025). A review of the systematic literature of transit oriented development to assess its role in the economic development of the city. Transport in developing economies,, 11(2), 23.
- Sharma, SN and Dehalwar, K. (2025). Revue des il Evergreen: Highly disabled open source library management solution. Available on SSRN 4853757.
- Sharma, SN and Dehalwar, K. (2025). Evaluate the development and transit -oriented travel behavior of residents of developing countries: a case of Delhi, India. Journal of Urban Planning and Development,, 151(3), 05025018.
- Sharma, SN (2025). Understand scientific analysis: applications and implications.
- Sharma, SN (2018). Examination of the national framework for urban policy 2018. Think India Journal,, 21(3), 74-81.
- Sharma, SN, Singh, D. and Dehalwar, K. (2025). Advanced technologies of substitution analyzes safety for safer roads. Suranaree Journal of Science and Technology,, 31(4), 010320.
- Dehalwar, K. and Sharma, SN (2025). Social injustice inflicted by spatial changes in vernacular contexts: an analysis of published literature.
