How to master 14 literature review types

Today, I'm going to spill the beans on how to master the 14 types of literature reviews I tweeted about a while back. Stick with me, and you'll learn how to pick the perfect review type for any project.

When you're done with this newsletter issue, you'll have a killer plan to improve your academic writing, surpass your peers, and excel in any scholarly project like a professional. You'll master the art of selecting the perfect review type, avoiding the rookie mistake of relying on methods that don't fit.

Most researchers are stuck in a rut, clinging to the same old review types like a bad habit. It's like having a buffet of gourmet options and choosing plain toast every time. Hello, my friends from the Netherlands (😆 kidding, your toast lunches are primo). This self-inflicted tunnel vision is killing your academic mojo and churning out tired, lacklustre work. Nobody wants that.

Why are we such scaredy-cats?

Let’s face it: academic writing can be daunting. And we academics can be a nervous bunch. Here's why we often play it safe:

• We're afraid of the unknown. New methods? Yikes!
• We feel like imposters. "Who am I to try something new?"
• We're perfectionists. What if we mess up?
• We're always racing the clock. Deadlines, am I right?

We don't see the point. I get it. I've been there, staring at my computer screen, wondering if I should stick to my trusty systematic review or venture into uncharted territory. It's scary stuff!

Why branching out feels like climbing Everest

Even when we want to try something new, it feels like the odds are stacked against us:

• Our training was limited. Thanks a lot, Dr. Wilgendübel.
• We're flying blind. When do we use each type? Who knows! 🤷‍♂️
• We're afraid of the academic mean girls: "Oh, you're using THAT review type?"
• Our departments are stuck in the Stone Age: "We've always done it this way."
• The payoff isn't instant. Patience is a virtue they say...
• There's too much info. Information overload, anyone?

But don't worry, I've got your back. Let's break this down and make it manageable. Let's turn you into a master of all 14 review types.

Know your tools: The 14 review types

First things first: you need to know what each review type is for. Think of these review types as different dance moves. You wouldn't do the Macarena at a wedding slow dance, right? Here’s a rundown:

1. Critical review: Show off your smarts! This type lets you flex your analytical muscles and contribute new ideas to your field.
2. Literature review: The classic. It’s your chance to provide a broad, sweeping look at what’s happening in your area of study.
3. Mapping review: Play connect-the-dots with existing research. It’s great for identifying gaps in research.
4. Meta-analysis: Numbers nerds, rejoice! Combine data from multiple studies for some serious statistical firepower.
5. Mixed studies review: The best of both worlds, getting quantitative and qualitative research together for a group hug.
6. Overview: Give your readers the CliffsNotes version of a topic, summarizing key characteristics of the literature.
7. Qualitative systematic review: Go deep into qualitative studies. Like a detective, but with no danger and more reading.
8. Rapid review: For when you need answers fast. It’s a quick assessment of what’s known about a topic.
9. Scoping review: Get the lay of the land. This type helps you understand the size and scope of available research.
10. State-of-the-art review: Be the cool kid who knows all the latest trends in research. Deal with your field's most pressing matters.
11. Systematic review: The marathon runner of reviews. Thorough, exhaustive, and a bit of a show-off. Comprehensively search and synthesize evidence on a specific question.
12. Systematic search and review: Combine your inner critic with your inner librarian.
13. Systematized review: Systematic review's chill cousin. Most of the rigour, half the stress.
14. Umbrella review: The review of reviews. Frodo's one ring. Bring multiple reviews together in one epic evidence showdown.

Each type has its strengths, and knowing when to use each one is key to becoming a the reviewer your field deserves, but not the one it needs right now. (Kidding, you always want to be the one it needs, because you're not Batman despite what mom told you as a kid.)

Match methods to research goals

Now that you know your moves, how do you know when to bust them out? If you know what each type does, how do you choose the right one for your project? It’s all about matching the method to your research goals. Here's a cheat sheet:

• Wanna spot trends? → Mapping review or systematic map is your jam.
• Need to know if something actually works? → Meta-analysis or systematic review will be your BFF.
• Trying to cook up a new theory? → Critical review or qualitative evidence synthesis is the secret sauce.
• Gotta inform the bigwigs? → Rapid review or scoping review can give you the quick and dirty.
• Just need a general overview? → Literature review or overview will do the trick.

Your goal is to choose the review type that will best answer your research question and serve your audience. It's all about picking the right tool for the job. You wouldn't use a pressure washer to hang a picture, would you? (I dare you to try it 😁)

Master the unique methods of each type

Each review type has its own set of methods and approaches, each with their own little quirks. Here’s a crash course:

1. Critical review: Read widely, think deeply, and don’t be afraid to challenge existing ideas.
2. Literature review: Cast a wide net, organize your findings, and tell a compelling story about the state of your field.
3. Mapping review: Categorize, categorize, categorize. Then step back and look for patterns and gaps.
4. Meta-analysis: Brush up on your stats. You’ll be combining data from multiple studies to draw conclusions.
5. Mixed studies review: Learn to integrate different types of data. It’s like being bilingual in the research world.
6. Overview: Develop a knack for summarizing complex ideas concisely.
7. Qualitative systematic review: Hone your skills in identifying themes across different qualitative studies.
8. Rapid review: Speed is key. Learn to quickly assess and synthesize information.
9. Scoping review: Think breadth, not depth. You’re mapping the territory, not exploring every nook and cranny.
10. State-of-the-art review: Stay current. This type requires you to have your finger on the pulse of your field.
11. Systematic review: Develop a rigorous, reproducible method for searching and analyzing literature.
12. Systematic search and review: Combine critical thinking with exhaustive searching techniques.
13. Systematized review: Learn the basics of systematic review methods without getting bogged down in the full process.
14. Umbrella review: Master the art of synthesizing information from multiple reviews.

Develop a review type decision tree

Picking the right review can feel like trying to choose a Netflix true crime show. Too many options! To help you choose the right review type, create a decision tree. Here’s a simple version to get you started:

1. What’s your main research question?
2. How much time have you got?
3. How deep do you wanna go?
4. What kind of data are you dealing with?
5. What’s the primary purpose of your review?

Your answers to these questions will guide you toward the most appropriate review type.

Practice makes perfect (or at least pretty good)

The best way to master these review types is through practice. Here’s how:

1. Pick a topic you're into. The more interesting, the better!
2. Choose a review type you've never tried before. Be brave!
3. Do a mini-review over 2-3 days. Think of it as a research sprint.
4. Take a step back and think about what worked and what didn't.
5. Rinse and repeat with a new type.

Because the time is limited, you can only do a taster of what you would do with a massive set of papers, so don't beat yourself up if you only do like 5 papers. It's all about practicing the method. By the time you’ve done this with all 14 types, you’ll have a skillset that most researchers can only dream of.

Ready, set, review!

Alright, it's go time! Here's your homework:

1. Read the ​Grant and Booth paper​ linked below. Study Table 1 in the paper: Spend 30 minutes examining the details of each review type. Note the differences in methods and outputs.
2. Choose one new type: Select an unfamiliar review method that intrigues you.
3. Find an example: Locate and read a published review using your chosen type. Pay attention to its structure and approach.
4. Outline a mini-review: Plan a small-scale review using the new method. Choose a topic you’re passionate about to make it more engaging (as mentioned above).
5. Schedule practice: Block out time in your calendar to conduct your mini-review (following the sequence I just mentioned). Treat it like any other important academic task.

Reference

Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). ​A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies.​ Health information & libraries journal, 26(2), 91-108.

Rome wasn't built in a day, and you won't master all 14 review types overnight. It’s a journey, but one that will set you apart in your field. With each new type you master, you’ll gain new perspectives and approaches to research. Before you know it, you'll be the MacGyver of literature reviews!

Don’t let fear or habit hold you back. Embrace the full spectrum of literature review types, and watch your understanding of your field transform. Drop your next review like it's the hottest track of the year. Liked this post? Leave a tip.