How is a Literature Review Different from a Systematic Review?

Introduction

A literature review and a systematic review serve different purposes in academic research. A literature review involves a comprehensive exploration of existing scholarly works related to a specific topic or research question. It is a great source that provides an overview of the current state of knowledge in a particular field. This type of review holds the main aim of giving the reader a broad understanding of the context of the subject.  Literature Review is a vast section.

Systematic Review: Rigorous Methodology

A systematic review is more consistent in following a rigorous and structured methodology. It involves a systematic search of the literature. The Systematic Review is a very profound methodology.

Protocols and Methodologies

Systematic reviews contain detailed protocols that outline the search strategy and methods for data analysis. This meticulous approach has the main aim to reduce the biases and to bring transparency.  

The Comprehensive Nature of Systematic Review

While a literature review provides a general overview of existing literature, a systematic review prefers to go for a setup that employs a methodical and transparent approach.

Value in Decision-Making and Policy Development

Periodic review is considered to be very precious when the talks are about requiring a research question of existing studies in order to inform decision-making.

Summary

To end the discussion, a literature review is a vast survey of the literature on a topic that has happened in the past that is capable of providing an overview of all the information and knowledge. A systematic review is a rigorous process that involves a systematic search of relevant studies on a particular research question.