summarize previously published research on a topic of interest

provide a research community with new conceptualizations, research models, theories, frameworks or methodological approaches

compile empirical evidence to map bodies of literature and draw overall conclusions regarding particular topics od interest

bring together prior findings and test specific research hypotheses or propositions. By rigorously collating and pooling prior empirical data, aggregative reviews are particularly valued for providing evidence-based validations of pre-specified theoretical models and propositions.

seek to determine the extent to which a body of empirical studies in a specific research area supports or reveals any interpretable patterns or trends with respect to pre-existing propositions, theories, methodologies or findings

attempt to provide an initial indication of the potential size and nature of the available literature on a particular topic

use specific data extraction techniques and statistical methods to aggregate quantitative data in the form of standard effect measures

attempt to search, identify, select, appraise, and abstract data from quantitative empirical studies to answer the following main questions

a tertiary type of study that integrates relevant evidence from multiple systematic reviews (qualitative or quantitative) into one accessible and usable document to address a narrow research question

draws on existing conceptual and empirical studies to provide a context for identifying, describing, and transforming into a higher order of theoretical structure and various concepts, constructs or relationships

theory-driven interpretative reviews that were developed to inform, enhance, extend

aim to critically analyze the extant literature on a broad topic to reveal weaknesses, contradictions, controversies, or inconsistencies

Comprehensiveness

Multidisciplinary and general

Medicine and health

Histoty

Psychology

Biology

Communication

Currency

Readability and Style

Reliability

Antecedents of Quality

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Micro-Level Size Factors

Macro-Level Size Factors

This step requires authors to define the review's objective(s), provide definitions of key concepts and justify the need for a review article