Systematic Literature Review (SLR): A Step-by-Step PRISMA Guide
In the hierarchy of academic evidence, the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) sits at the very top. Unlike a traditional narrative review, an SLR follows a rigorous, repeatable, and transparent methodology to synthesize all existing knowledge on a specific topic.
Expert Definition: As mentioned in our Research Glossary, an SLR is a high-level overview of primary research on a focused question that identifies, selects, synthesizes, and appraises all high-quality research evidence relevant to that question.
Why Choose an SLR for Your Thesis?
Many researchers in the 54+ countries we support at GRIT choose SLR for three main reasons:
- Evidence-Based: It provides the most reliable answers to research questions.
- Identifying Gaps: It clearly highlights what we don't know, setting the stage for your primary research.
- High Citability: SLR papers are cited significantly more often than standard research articles.
The 5-Step SLR Process
1 Formulating the Research Question: Use frameworks like PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to narrow your focus.
2 Database Searching: Conduct exhaustive searches across Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using specific Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT).
3 Screening (Inclusion/Exclusion): Apply strict criteria to decide which papers stay and which are discarded. This is where the PRISMA Flow Diagram is essential.
4 Quality Appraisal: Evaluate the bias and methodology of the selected papers.
5 Synthesis: Summarize the findings. If you use statistical methods to combine results, this becomes a Meta-Analysis.
The Role of PRISMA 2020
The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement is the international standard for reporting reviews. Most high-impact journals will reject an SLR immediately if it does not follow the PRISMA checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many papers do I need for an SLR?
A: There is no fixed number. An SLR could analyze 10 high-quality papers or 100. The rigor is in the selection process, not the quantity.
A: There is no fixed number. An SLR could analyze 10 high-quality papers or 100. The rigor is in the selection process, not the quantity.
Q: Can I do an SLR for my Master’s thesis?
A: Yes. It is an excellent way to show mastery of a subject and often leads to your first published journal article.
A: Yes. It is an excellent way to show mastery of a subject and often leads to your first published journal article.
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