Evidence Synthesis

Difference Between Systematic Review and Narrative Reviews (Short Video)

Systematic vs Narrative Reviews

This video will highlight a few of the differences between systematic reviews and narrative reviews. Your K-State eID is required.

Video: systematic vs narrative (3 min)

Traditional Reviews

Traditional reviews, such as narrative reviews, are commonly used to place a research study within the context of existing literature. These reviews do not follow explicit methods or reporting guidelines. In empirical research articles, a narrative review is typically included in the introduction.

Systematic Reviews

Systematic reviews follow predefined, systematic, transparent, and reproducible procedures for finding, appraising, and synthesizing prior research. The aim is to find all evidence that meets the rigorous methodology, is transparent in defining the search process, and uses bias-reducing strategies in analyzing the results. Systematic reviews are commonly used to answer specific research questions about the appropriateness or effectiveness of interventions or practices.

Scoping and Mapping Reviews

Like systematic reviews, scoping and mapping reviews use systematic and transparent methods to identify literature on a specific topic. These reviews typically aim to assess the characteristics or scope of the existing literature and identify gaps in the research. They may also categorize the findings or present the evidence visually.

Rapid Reviews

The rapid review method was developed for systematic reviews that are time-sensitive. Guidelines for rapid reviews suggest ways to limit the scope of a study so it can be completed quickly and still follow a rigorous protocol. 

Terminology is used inconsistently across the literature, which can lead to confusion. Review types and associated methods may also develop over time. These articles catalog and clarify types of reviews and their characteristics. 

Sutton, A., Clowes, M., Preston, L., & Booth, A. (2019). Meeting the review family: Exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 36(3), 202–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/hir.12276

Moher, D., Stewart, L., & Shekelle, P. (2015). All in the Family: Systematic reviews, rapid reviews, scoping reviews, realist reviews, and more. Systematic Reviews, 4(1), 183. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-015-0163-7

Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91–108. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x