Types of Literature Reviews: A Comprehensive Guide for PhD Students

Question 1

Which type of literature review employs a systematic and rigorous methodology to provide a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research on a specific topic?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Scoping review

Answer

Integrative review

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an **integrative literature review**?

Accepted Answer

Does NOT focus on a **specific research question**.

Answer

Provides a comprehensive overview of a research topic.

Answer

Includes both qualitative and quantitative studies.

Answer

Synthesizes findings from multiple studies.

Question 3

What is the first step in carrying out a scoping review?

Accepted Answer

Defining the research question.

Answer

Searching for relevant literature.

Answer

Analyzing and interpreting findings.

Answer

Developing a theoretical framework.

Question 4

Which reporting guidelines are specifically designed for systematic reviews?

Accepted Answer

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)

Answer

Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE)

Answer

Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT)

Answer

Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE)

Question 5

The primary purpose of a systematic literature review is to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a comprehensive summary and synthesis of existing research on a specific topic

Answer

Identify gaps in existing research and suggest areas for future study

Answer

Provide a biased overview of the literature to support a particular argument

Answer

Conduct a new primary research study on the topic of interest

Question 6

The reporting guideline for scoping reviews is:

Accepted Answer

Scoping Review Extension for the PRISMA Statement (PRISMA-ScR)

Answer

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)

Answer

Quality of Reporting of Meta-analyses (QUOROM)

Answer

Cochrane Collaboration Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions

Question 7

In a systematic literature review, a protocol outlines:

Accepted Answer

The search strategy and inclusion criteria

Answer

The methods for data synthesis

Answer

The findings of the review

Answer

The detailed analysis of the included studies

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an integrative literature review?

Accepted Answer

Synthesizing findings using meta-analysis

Answer

Combining results from multiple studies

Answer

Providing a comprehensive overview of a research area

Question 9

When is a scoping review most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

When the research question is broad and exploratory

Answer

When the aim is to integrate findings from multiple studies

Answer

When the goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of a specific topic

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using a structured approach to conducting a literature review?

Accepted Answer

Lower efficiency

Answer

Reduced risk of bias

Answer

Increased transparency

Question 11

Which type of literature review follows a strict protocol to identify and synthesize relevant studies?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Scoping review

Answer

Integrative review

Question 12

Which of the following is a key reporting guideline for systematic reviews?

Accepted Answer

PRISMA statement

Answer

Chicago manual

Answer

APA style

Answer

Harvard referencing

Question 13

Which type of literature review synthesizes and interprets findings from multiple studies, providing a comprehensive understanding of a research topic?

Accepted Answer

Integrative review

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Narrative review

Answer

Scoping review

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature review?

Accepted Answer

To summarize, evaluate, and synthesize existing research on a specific topic, identifying gaps and informing future research.

Answer

To introduce a research topic without critical analysis

Answer

To present original research findings

Question 15

Which type of literature review is typically the most comprehensive and rigorous, involving a systematic search, critical appraisal, and synthesis of all relevant studies on a specific topic?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Scoping review

Answer

Narrative review

Answer

Integrative review

Question 16

Which of the following is a key benefit of conducting a thorough literature review?

Accepted Answer

Helps identify research gaps and inform the development of future research questions

Answer

Saves time in research

Answer

Protects against plagiarism

Answer

Guarantees successful research outcomes

Question 17

What is the key difference between a systematic review and a meta-analysis?

Accepted Answer

A meta-analysis involves statistical synthesis of data from multiple studies, while a systematic review does not.

Answer

A systematic review is more rigorous than a meta-analysis.

Question 18

Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-written literature review?

Accepted Answer

Clear organization, logical flow of ideas, and concise writing

Answer

Lack of critical analysis

Answer

Reliance on outdated sources

Answer

Use of overly technical language

Question 19

Which type of literature review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on a specific topic, identifying patterns, gaps, and emerging trends?

Accepted Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Integrative review

Answer

Scoping review

Question 20

A literature review that seeks to integrate findings from multiple studies into a cohesive narrative, highlighting similarities and differences, is known as a:

Accepted Answer

Integrative review

Answer

Scoping review

Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 21

Which type of literature review provides a broad overview of the literature on a topic, mapping the research landscape and identifying key themes and concepts?

Accepted Answer

Scoping review

Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Integrative review

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 22

PRISMA guidelines are specifically designed for reporting:

Accepted Answer

Systematic reviews

Answer

Meta-analyses

Answer

Scoping reviews

Answer

Integrative reviews

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a key component of a well-structured literature review?

Accepted Answer

Personal anecdotes

Answer

Critical analysis

Answer

Discussion

Answer

Research question

Question 24

The process of selecting relevant studies for a literature review is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Study selection

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Synthesis

Answer

Data extraction

Question 25

A literature review that combines quantitative and qualitative research methods is known as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Mixed methods literature review

Answer

Systematic review

Answer

Meta-analysis

Answer

Integrative review

Question 26

When evaluating studies for inclusion in a literature review, consider their:

Accepted Answer

Relevance, validity, and reliability

Answer

Cost and timeliness

Answer

Author's reputation and affiliation

Answer

Popularity and accessibility