Review Types
Compare seven literature review types — narrative, systematic, scoping, meta-analysis, rapid, integrative, and umbrella — and choose the right methodology for your project.
Different research questions call for different review methodologies. A narrative review frames a dissertation chapter; a systematic review answers a focused clinical question with reproducible rigor; a scoping review maps an emerging field; a meta-analysis pools quantitative effects; a rapid review feeds a policy deadline; an integrative review blends methods; an umbrella review synthesizes the systematic reviews that already exist. Use the cards below to compare scope, reporting standards, and the situations each type is designed for, then follow the in-depth guide for the methodology you need.
Narrative Review
Thematic overview of a topic area
When: Thesis chapter 2, background sections, and broad topic overviews where comprehensive quantitative synthesis is not required.
Read the Narrative Review guide →Systematic Review
Rigorous, reproducible evidence synthesis
When: Answering a focused clinical or policy question with a comprehensive, reproducible search and formal quality appraisal.
Read the Systematic Review guide →Scoping Review
Map the breadth of evidence on a topic
When: Mapping the literature, clarifying concepts, or identifying research gaps before a full systematic review.
Read the Scoping Review guide →Meta-Analysis
Quantitative synthesis of effect sizes
When: Pooling quantitative results across comparable studies to estimate an overall effect.
Read the Meta-Analysis guide →Rapid Review
Accelerated evidence synthesis for decisions
When: Time-sensitive policy or practice decisions where a full systematic review is not feasible.
Read the Rapid Review guide →Integrative Review
Combine empirical and theoretical literature
When: Integrating diverse methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, theoretical) to develop a holistic understanding.
Read the Integrative Review guide →Umbrella Review
Review of systematic reviews
When: Synthesizing existing systematic reviews or meta-analyses on a broad topic.
Read the Umbrella Review guide →