Detailed Comparison: Systematic Review vs Literature Review

Systematic review vs literature review. Discover the unique characteristics of each type of review and determine which suits your research needs.

Detailed Comparison: Systematic Review vs Literature Review
Do not index
Do not index
If you're someone who frequently delves into the world of academic research, then you must be familiar with systematic review versus literature review. When it comes to decision-making about which study to undertake, published scientific studies are a gold mine of information. Although there is a significant difference between systematic reviews and traditional literature reviews, it is essential to comprehend the distinction. In this blog, we will explore these two forms of review and provide insight into their relevance in the scientific community. Our ultimate goal is to clarify the contrast between the two and help you select the most appropriate literature review tools and method for your study.

What Is Systematic Review?

Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
The systematic review is a comprehensive and unbiased type of literature review that systematically searches, identifies, selects, appraises, and synthesizes research evidence relevant to the research question.
The systematic review process consists of several steps:
  • Protocol development
  • Study selection
  • Data extraction
  • Quality assessment.
This rigorous process aims to minimize bias and provide a transparent and reliable summary of existing evidence on a specific research topic.

How is a Systematic Review Different from a Literature Review?

A literature review is a general overview of existing knowledge on a specific research topic, which may or may not involve a systematic approach. In contrast, a systematic review is a specific type of literature review that follows a well-defined methodology to collect, evaluate, and synthesize evidence from multiple studies.
While a literature review aims to provide a broad understanding of a research area, a systematic review focuses on answering a specific research question by analyzing high-quality evidence. The systematic review process is more structured, rigorous, and transparent than a traditional literature review.

What Is Literature Review?

Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Literature reviews are a type of academic writing that synthesizes and analyzes existing research, theories, and concepts related to a specific topic. They evaluate the material instead of merely restating it. The methods utilized for literature reviews are not usually prespecified and are not detailed within the review. While the search might be comprehensive, it does not aim to be exhaustive. Literature reviews are also known as narrative reviews.

Systematic Review vs Literature Review Comparison

Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Not all reviews are created equal. There is a particular difference between a systematic review and a literature review, and the goals associated with them are different. Systematic reviews aim to eliminate biases and answer a focused clinical or research question. A systematic review involves a detailed protocol, often developed using the PICO framework, which includes pre-specified eligibility criteria and a systematic search strategy.

Eliminating Bias Through Comprehensive Study

The goal is to bring together the results of multiple studies to answer a specific question effectively eliminating biases. This process usually involves three or more people and can take months or even years to produce. In contrast, a literature review is a subjective summary of research and provides a summary or overview of a topic. It aims to bring together the results of multiple studies to answer a specific question effectively eliminating biases.

Summarizing Research for Informed Insights

This process usually involves three or more people and can take months or even years to produce. The search for literature reviews is thorough and covers published literature, and the review includes a detailed search strategy.

Systematic Review Components

  • Pre-specified eligibility criteria
  • Systematic search strategy
  • Assessment of the validity of findings
  • Interpretation and presentation of results
  • Reference list

Literature Review Components

  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Reference list

Unriddle Allows You to Read Faster and Write Better.

Quickly find info in documents, simplify complex topics, take notes and write with the power of AI. Unriddle is trusted by thousands of researchers and students, from the classroom to the boardroom.
  • Unriddle generates an AI assistant on top of any document so you can quickly find, summarize, and understand info. No more endless skimming.
  • Unriddle understands the meaning behind your writing and automatically links you to relevant things you’ve read and written about in the past.
  • Highlight text and Unriddle will show you the most relevant sources from your library using AI. Never lose a citation again.
  • Generate text with AI autocomplete to improve and expand your writing, with all suggestions based on the context of what you're working on.
Step into a collaborative workspace where everyone can contribute and chat with the same documents in real-time, and much more!
Read faster & write better — try Unriddle for free today.

When To Use Systematic Review vs Literature Review

Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Systematic Review Vs Literature Review

Systematic Review

I would use a systematic review to answer a clinical question about the effectiveness of a particular treatment or treatments. Systematic reviews in clinical medicine often follow the PICO framework, which stands for:
  • Population (or patients)
  • Intervention
  • Comparison
  • Outcome

Literature Review

I would use a literature review to provide context. Literature reviews often form the introduction to a piece of writing, to provide the context. They can also be used to identify gaps in the literature and the need to fill them with new research.

What Are The Key Characteristics Of A Systematic Review vs Literature Review

Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Systematic Review Vs Literature Review
Systematic reviews critically analyze multiple studies on a specific topic. These reviews follow pre-specified methods that are explicit and replicable. The review team evaluates the quality of the evidence to minimize bias and ensure accuracy. The results and conclusions of a systematic review are based solely on the evidence found in the selected studies. This format provides a reliable and evidence-based summary of the available information on a particular topic.

Read Faster & Write Better With Unriddle for Free Today

Unriddle is a valuable tool that can significantly enhance your literature review writing process. This platform is designed to help you read faster and write better by simplifying complex topics, taking notes, and leveraging the power of AI to generate an assistant that can help you quickly find, summarize, and understand information.

Efficient Literature Review

Unriddle's AI capabilities can be particularly useful when conducting literature reviews. By understanding the meaning behind your writing, Unriddle can automatically link you to relevant sources that you have read and written about in the past. This feature can save you valuable time that would otherwise be spent searching for sources and citation

Seamless Citation Management

Unriddle allows you to highlight text within documents, prompting the platform to display the most relevant sources from your library using AI. This functionality ensures that you never lose a citation or reference again, streamlining the literature review process.

Enhanced Writing with Unriddle's AI Autocomplete Suggestions

Unriddle can assist with text generation through AI autocomplete suggestions that are contextually based on the content you are working on. By offering intelligent suggestions for improving and expanding your writing, Unriddle can help elevate the quality of your literature review

Collaborative Workspace: Unriddle's Platform for Teamwork

In terms of collaboration, Unriddle provides a shared workspace where multiple users can contribute and engage with the same documents in real-time. This feature fosters collaboration among researchers and students, making it easier to work together on literature reviews and other projects

Streamlining Literature Reviews

Unriddle is a powerful tool for anyone looking to streamline the literature review writing process. By leveraging AI capabilities, document highlighting, text generation, and collaboration features, Unriddle can help you read faster, write better, and produce more impactful literature reviews.
To experience the benefits of Unriddle firsthand, you can sign up for a free trial today.

Ready to take the next big step for your research?

Join 500K+ researchers now

Get started

Related posts

15 Best AI Literature Review Tools

15 Best AI Literature Review Tools

Conducting a literature review? Make your research process easier with these literature review tools designed to enhance your review experience.

Complete Literature Review Example Guides

Complete Literature Review Example Guides

Stuck on how to write a literature review? These literature review example articles showcase approaches and help guide you in crafting your own.

How To Write A Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

How To Write A Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

Need help on how to write a literature review? Follow these 9 simple steps to create a well-structured and comprehensive literature review.

How To Write A Systematic Literature Review In 7 Simple Step

How To Write A Systematic Literature Review In 7 Simple Step

Follow these seven steps to conduct a systematic literature review and gather valuable insights for your research project. Start today!

Literature Review Outline Example For Inspiration

Literature Review Outline Example For Inspiration

Stuck on how to structure your literature review? Get inspired by literature review outline examples that breaks down the key sections for you.

10 Top-Notch Literature Review Generator Tools

10 Top-Notch Literature Review Generator Tools

Struggling to organize your literature review? These literature review generator tools can help streamline the process and improve work quality.

A Beginner's Guide To Thematic Literature Review

A Beginner's Guide To Thematic Literature Review

Need help navigating thematic literature reviews? Look no further! This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple steps.

How To Write An Abstract For A Literature Review Effectively

How To Write An Abstract For A Literature Review Effectively

Master the art of how to write an abstract for a literature review with this informative guide. Start creating standout abstracts today!

Literature Review Introduction Example For Inspiration

Literature Review Introduction Example For Inspiration

Get inspired with this literature review introduction example that will help kickstart your process. Learn to present your literature effectively.

170 Best Literature Review Topics For Effective Writing

170 Best Literature Review Topics For Effective Writing

From classic literary works to contemporary issues, our list of literature review topics covers a wide range of subjects for effective writing.

A Beginner's Guide On Narrative Literature Review

A Beginner's Guide On Narrative Literature Review

Confused about narrative literature reviews? This guide breaks down the process, making it easy for beginners to understand and implement.

Ultimate Comparison of Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography

Ultimate Comparison of Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography

Looking to understand the distinctions between a literature review vs annotated bibliography? This guide will help you grasp their unique uses.

17 Powerful Google Scholar Alternative Tools

17 Powerful Google Scholar Alternative Tools

Discover new ways to access academic resources with these top Google Scholar alternatives. Find the right tool for your research needs today.

Scientific Literature Review Example, Template, and Method

Scientific Literature Review Example, Template, and Method

Get a head start with this scientific literature review examples, template, and method that will guide you through the process step by step.

Top 10 Powerful AI Literature Review Generator Tools

Top 10 Powerful AI Literature Review Generator Tools

Need help with AI literature review generator? Explore top AI tools that can assist you in creating comprehensive and reviews in no time.

Literature Review Abstract Example, Format, and Contents

Literature Review Abstract Example, Format, and Contents

Learn the format and contents using literature review abstract examples. Get a clear understanding of what should be included in your abstract.

Systematic Literature Review Example, Format, and Writing Method

Systematic Literature Review Example, Format, and Writing Method

Looking for a systematic literature review example? This guide covers the format, writing method, and what you need to know to conduct a review

A Beginner's Guide To Review Of Related Literature

A Beginner's Guide To Review Of Related Literature

Understand the importance of a review of related literature. Learn how to conduct thorough research and analysis in your academic writing.

How To Write A Scientific Literature Review In 5 Simple Steps

How To Write A Scientific Literature Review In 5 Simple Steps

Learn how to write a scientific literature review in five easy steps. This guide breaks down the process into manageable tasks, making it easier.

Consensus AI Tool Features, Alternatives, Pros, And Cons

Consensus AI Tool Features, Alternatives, Pros, And Cons

Find out what you need to know about Consensus AI tools, from features, alternatives, pros, and cons. Make the right choice for your business.

A Beginner's Guide On APA Literature Review Format

A Beginner's Guide On APA Literature Review Format

Struggling with APA literature review format? This beginner's guide provides step-by-step instructions and examples to help navigate the process.

10 Best Systematic Review Software For Efficient Writing

10 Best Systematic Review Software For Efficient Writing

Improve your writing efficiency with these systematic review software options. Find the tool to help you create comprehensive and accurate reviews.

Paper Digest Literature Review Tool, Features, Alternatives, and Benefits

Paper Digest Literature Review Tool, Features, Alternatives, and Benefits

Explore the features, alternatives, and benefits of using Paper Digest literature review process. Stay organized with this research tool.

How To Write A Thesis Literature Review In 4 Simple Steps

How To Write A Thesis Literature Review In 4 Simple Steps

Writing a thesis literature review doesn't have to be daunting. Follow these steps to effectively analyze existing literature for your thesis.

Dissertation Literature Review Example and Format

Dissertation Literature Review Example and Format

Get a clear understanding of how to write a dissertation literature review example and format. Showcase your critical analysis and research skills.

Scite AI Assistant Features, Alternatives, and Pros and Cons

Scite AI Assistant Features, Alternatives, and Pros and Cons

Learn about the features, alternatives, and the strengths and weaknesses of Scite AI Assistant. Determine if it's the right tool for your needs.

The Most Detailed Comparison of A Scoping Review vs Literature Revie

The Most Detailed Comparison of A Scoping Review vs Literature Revie

Curious about the difference between a scoping review vs literature review? This comparison breaks down the key distinctions between the two.

How To Do A Systematic Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

How To Do A Systematic Literature Review In 9 Simple Steps

Learn how to do a systematic literature review by following these nine steps. This guide will walk you through each stage of the process.

Methods Section Of Literature Review Example and Format

Methods Section Of Literature Review Example and Format

Methods section of literature review example can be of help? This can serve as a helpful guide to ensure you cover all the necessary details.

How To Use ChatGPT For Literature Review (Pro Tips!)

How To Use ChatGPT For Literature Review (Pro Tips!)

Utilize ChatGPT for literature review needs with this guide. Find out how ChatGPT can revolutionize the way you conduct research and analyze data.

15 Best Literature Review Online Tool For Efficient Writing

15 Best Literature Review Online Tool For Efficient Writing

Make your literature review writing process easier with these online tools to help you organize, analyze, and cite your sources effectively.

An Ultimate Guide On Writing A Methodology For Literature Review

An Ultimate Guide On Writing A Methodology For Literature Review

Looking on how to write a methodology for literature review? This guide covers everything you need to know to craft a well-structured methodology.

How To Structure Literature Review and Write It Easil

How To Structure Literature Review and Write It Easil

Learn the easy way how to structure literature review in this guide. Follow these steps and write your literature review effortlessly.

6 Acceptable Sources Of Literature Review

6 Acceptable Sources Of Literature Review

Need help finding sources of literature review? Check out this list of 6 acceptable sources that will help you conduct a thorough review.

8 Best Literature Review Writing Service

8 Best Literature Review Writing Service

Get professional help with best literature review writing services available. Explore our list to find the perfect service for your needs.

What Is Literature Review In Research

What Is Literature Review In Research

Understanding the purpose and process of a literature review in research is essential for any academic or scientific study. Know and learn more!