Narrative Traditional Literature Review vs. Systematic Literature Review

Attribute	Narrative Traditional Literature Review	Systematic Literature Review
Approach	Qualitative	Quantitative
Selection of Studies	Based on researcher's judgment	Based on predefined criteria
Search Strategy	Not systematic	Systematic and comprehensive
Analysis	Subjective interpretation	Objective and reproducible
Publication Bias	May be present	Minimized through comprehensive search

Introduction

When conducting a literature review, researchers have the option to choose between two main approaches: Narrative Traditional Literature Review and Systematic Literature Review. Both methods have their own set of attributes and advantages, which can impact the quality and reliability of the review. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two approaches to help researchers make an informed decision on which method to use for their literature review.

Narrative Traditional Literature Review

A Narrative Traditional Literature Review is a more subjective approach to reviewing literature. In this method, the researcher provides a summary and synthesis of the existing literature on a particular topic. The researcher may include their own interpretations and insights into the literature, which can be both a strength and a limitation of this approach. One advantage of a Narrative Traditional Literature Review is that it allows for a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of the literature. Researchers can provide context and background information that may not be captured in a systematic review.

However, one of the limitations of a Narrative Traditional Literature Review is the potential for bias. Since the researcher's interpretations and insights are included in the review, there is a risk of subjective bias influencing the conclusions drawn from the literature. Additionally, the lack of a systematic approach to selecting and analyzing the literature can lead to gaps in the review and potential oversights of important studies.

Systematic Literature Review

A Systematic Literature Review, on the other hand, is a more objective and rigorous approach to reviewing literature. In this method, the researcher follows a structured and systematic process to identify, select, and analyze relevant studies on a particular topic. The goal of a Systematic Literature Review is to minimize bias and ensure that all relevant studies are included in the review. This approach typically involves the use of predefined criteria for study selection and data extraction.

One of the key advantages of a Systematic Literature Review is the transparency and reproducibility of the process. By following a systematic approach, researchers can clearly document their methods and decisions, making it easier for others to replicate the review. This can enhance the credibility and reliability of the review findings. Additionally, a Systematic Literature Review is less prone to bias compared to a Narrative Traditional Literature Review, as the process is more standardized and objective.

Comparison of Attributes

When comparing the attributes of Narrative Traditional Literature Review and Systematic Literature Review, several key differences emerge. One of the main differences is the level of subjectivity in each approach. A Narrative Traditional Literature Review allows for more subjective interpretation and synthesis of the literature, while a Systematic Literature Review aims to minimize bias and subjectivity through a structured process.

• Narrative Traditional Literature Review:
  • Subjective interpretation of literature
  • Includes researcher's insights and opinions
  • Provides a holistic understanding of the literature
  • Potential for bias
• Systematic Literature Review:
  • Objective and rigorous approach
  • Structured process with predefined criteria
  • Transparency and reproducibility
  • Minimizes bias

Another important attribute to consider is the level of comprehensiveness in each approach. A Narrative Traditional Literature Review may provide a more comprehensive and contextual understanding of the literature, while a Systematic Literature Review ensures that all relevant studies are included in the review. This can impact the depth and breadth of the review findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Narrative Traditional Literature Review and Systematic Literature Review have their own set of attributes and advantages. Researchers should carefully consider the nature of their research question and the goals of their literature review when choosing between these two approaches. A Narrative Traditional Literature Review may be more suitable for exploratory research or topics that require a more holistic understanding, while a Systematic Literature Review is ideal for research questions that require a more objective and rigorous approach. By understanding the attributes of each approach, researchers can make an informed decision on which method to use for their literature review.