Writing a Systematic Review Dissertation | Expert Tips from PhD Systematic Literature Review Writers

What is a Systematic Review Dissertation?

A systematic review dissertation is a type of research thesis that focuses on a comprehensive analysis of existing literature on a particular topic. This approach follows a structured methodology to assess, synthesize, and critically evaluate available studies related to a specific research question.

Understanding the Definition of a Systematic Review

• A systematic review is a research method that aims to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant studies on a given topic. Unlike a traditional literature review, which might be more subjective and selective, a systematic review follows a pre-defined protocol to minimize bias and ensure objectivity.
• This approach uses a structured review process to gather and analyze data from a database of systematic studies, offering a comprehensive and evidence-based view on the research question.

Key Features of a Systematic Review

• Methodology: The methodology used in a systematic review is rigorous and well-planned. It involves a structured search strategy, clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a transparent process for analyzing and synthesizing data.
• Comprehensive: A systematic review provides a thorough assessment of the existing literature, ensuring that all relevant studies are included. This makes it a robust approach for examining research gaps.
• Aim: The aim of a systematic review dissertation is to identify any gaps in the current research, propose future research directions, and offer a critical evaluation of the studies available.
• Cite: As with any scholarly work, it is important to cite the sources used in a systematic review dissertation correctly, ensuring that the references are accurate and appropriately formatted according to the required style guide (e.g., APA).

Systematic Review vs Literature Review: What’s the Difference?

• A systematic review is more structured and methodical than a literature search or literature review. While a traditional literature review may include a subjective selection of studies based on the author’s preference, a systematic review follows specific criteria and a clear protocol.
• The goal of a systematic review is to analyse the studies in a way that is objective, unbiased, and repeatable. In contrast, literature reviews may not follow as strict guidelines, and their analysis can be influenced by the author’s perspectives or preferences.

Key Terminology in Systematic Reviews

• Cochrane: One of the most prominent databases for systematic reviews is Cochrane, which is widely recognized for its rigor and reliability in producing systematic reviews in the healthcare field.
• Systematic or scoping: A systematic review is often contrasted with a scoping review. The former focuses on detailed, quantitative synthesis, while the latter may address broader questions and include a wider range of study designs.

A systematic review dissertation not only helps fill the research gap but also contributes to the academic community by offering a clear, unbiased, and reproducible analysis of existing studies. Many universities offer resources such as libguides at university to help students navigate the database of systematic reviews and learn best practices for conducting one.

How to Conduct a Systematic Review Dissertation

Conducting a systematic review dissertation requires a structured, rigorous approach to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased analysis of existing literature. This process follows several key steps to ensure consistency and reliability. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Step-by-Step Process for Conducting a Systematic Review

1. Define Your Research Question
   • The first step in a systematic review dissertation is to clearly define your research question. This question should be specific, focused, and address a gap in the existing literature. It will guide your entire review process, from search strategy to data analysis.
   • Your research question should be structured to ensure that it is answerable through systematic review methods. Consider using frameworks like PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to frame your question.
2. Create a Protocol for Your Systematic Review
   • Before beginning the review process, you should create a protocol that outlines the methodology you will follow. The protocol ensures that the systematic review dissertation is conducted in a transparent and reproducible manner. This protocol should be explicit, including:
     • Inclusion and exclusion criteria: Define what studies will be included or excluded based on factors such as study design, population, and outcome measures.
     • Data extraction methods: Outline how data will be extracted from selected studies, ensuring consistency.
     • Quality assessment: Describe how the quality of studies will be assessed, such as using tools like Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool.
   • Many researchers submit their protocol to databases such as PROSPERO, which is an international register of systematic reviews, to ensure transparency and avoid duplication.
3. Develop an Effective Search Strategy
   • A successful systematic review dissertation requires a well-planned literature search strategy. This strategy should be designed to identify all relevant studies on your particular topic, ensuring that no critical studies are missed.
   • Key elements of a robust search strategy include:
     • Identifying relevant databases: Use well-established databases such as Cochrane, PubMed, and others that specialize in systematic reviews or your specific field.
     • Keyword selection: Choose appropriate keywords and Boolean operators to capture a comprehensive set of studies related to your research question. Consider synonyms, related terms, and variations of the search terms.
     • Database of systematic: For medical and health-related reviews, the Cochrane library offers a database of systematic reviews that are highly reliable and peer-reviewed.
4. Screen and Select Studies
   • After conducting your literature search, you will need to screen and select studies based on your inclusion and exclusion criteria.
   • This step involves reviewing abstracts, full-text articles, and data to identify studies that meet the protocol requirements. A checklist or flow diagram (e.g., PRISMA) can help track the screening process and ensure transparency.
5. Data Extraction and Analysis
   • Once you have selected your studies, extract the relevant data for analysis. This involves gathering key information such as study characteristics, sample size, methodology, outcomes, and results.
   • After data extraction, you will need to analyse the data, identifying patterns, trends, and discrepancies across studies. This analysis forms the basis of your conclusions and recommendations.
   • The data analysis process in a systematic review dissertation should follow a predefined methodology to ensure consistency and reduce bias.
6. Evaluate the Quality of Studies
   • A key feature of the systematic review dissertation is evaluating the quality of the studies included in your review. This step ensures that the conclusions drawn are based on high-quality evidence.
   • Various tools and checklists are available to assess the risk of bias, study design quality, and methodological rigor. For example, the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool is widely used for assessing the methodological quality of clinical trials.
7. Summarize the Findings
   • Once data has been extracted and analyzed, summarize the findings in a coherent narrative. This summary should address the research question, highlight the gaps in the current literature, and propose areas for future research.
   • Your thesis should be based on the findings from the systematic review, offering a comprehensive understanding of the evidence and its implications.
8. Write the Systematic Review Dissertation
   • The final step is to write your systematic review dissertation. This document should include:
     • An introduction outlining the aim and background of the review.
     • A methodology section that describes the systematic review process, including search strategy, inclusion criteria, and data extraction methods.
     • Results, discussing the key findings and their implications.
     • A discussion section that contextualizes the findings, identifies limitations, and suggests directions for future research.

Useful Resources for Conducting a Systematic Review

• Libguides at university: Many universities provide specialized guides (libguides) to help students navigate the process of conducting a systematic review. These resources provide step-by-step instructions, links to relevant databases, and tips for avoiding common mistakes.
• Database of systematic reviews: Accessing databases such as Cochrane is essential for finding high-quality systematic reviews and understanding how they are structured. These resources offer peer-reviewed studies that can be included in your dissertation.

Final Thoughts on the Systematic Review Process

A systematic review dissertation is an essential tool for critically evaluating the existing literature on a particular topic. By following the structured approach outlined above, researchers can produce high-quality reviews that address key gaps, contribute to the scientific community, and guide future research.

By adhering to a rigorous methodology, creating a well-planned protocol, and employing a comprehensive search strategy, your systematic review will be a valuable research paper that significantly contributes to the academic discourse in your field.

What are the Types of Systematic Reviews?

A systematic review dissertation involves evaluating and synthesizing high-quality research evidence relevant to a specific topic or research question. There are different types of systematic reviews, each with its own focus and methodology. Below, we explore the various types of systematic reviews and criteria for selecting the appropriate type for your research.

Exploring Different Types of Reviews: Systematic vs Scoping Review

1. Systematic Review:
   • A systematic review dissertation aims to answer a specific research question by systematically searching for, evaluating, and synthesizing existing research.
   • The search methodology is highly structured, aiming to minimize bias and ensure that all relevant studies are included.
   • This type of review critically evaluates the quality of the studies, using tools such as the PRISMA statement for transparent reporting.
   • Research methodology typically involves data collection, quality assessment, and synthesising the data to draw conclusions.
   • It is often used when the research aims to make evidence-based recommendations or guidelines.
2. Scoping Review:
   • A scoping review is typically used for exploratory purposes. It may include a broader range of studies without critically evaluating them.
   • Unlike systematic reviews, scoping reviews do not focus on answering a specific question, but rather on mapping out the extent of existing research on a specific topic or research area.
   • A scoping review may include studies that differ in quality and type. It does not aim to combine the results of the selected studies as a meta-analysis does.
   • Scoping reviews are often the first step in a research project, helping researchers identify gaps in the existing research.

Meta-Analysis as a Type of Systematic Review

1. Meta-analysis:
   • Meta-analysis is a type of systematic review dissertation that focuses on quantitatively synthesizing the data from multiple studies. It combines the results of the selected studies to arrive at a more accurate and reliable conclusion.
   • This process is commonly used when studies share similar research methodology and outcomes. A meta-analysis provides a statistical approach to integrating findings, offering more power and precision in estimating effects.
   • Meta-analysis typically focuses on primary research, where studies include numerical data that can be pooled for analysis.
   • It aims to answer specific research questions by aggregating and analyzing data across multiple studies, enhancing the generalizability of research findings.

Criteria for Selecting the Type of Review

1. Research Question and Topic:
   • The type of review you choose largely depends on your research question and the specific topic of interest. For example, a meta-analysis may be suitable when you have quantitative data from multiple studies that address the same research question.
   • If the aim is to map the scope of available evidence, a scoping review might be the right approach, especially when the topic is broad or not well-defined.
2. Nature of the Evidence:
   • The type of review may also depend on the nature of the evidence available. If there is a large volume of studies, a systematic review dissertation can help identify high-quality research evidence relevant to your question.
   • If studies vary greatly in terms of design, quality, and outcomes, a scoping review or qualitative systematic review may be more appropriate to understand the range of findings.
3. Quality Assessment:
   • Quality assessment plays a critical role in selecting the type of review. Systematic reviews usually involve assessing the quality of the selected studies, which can be done using tools like the JBI manual for health research or the Cochrane Collaboration tools.
   • If the research involves mixed methods or qualitative data, a qualitative systematic review may be considered to provide a nuanced understanding of the findings.
4. Data Collection and Synthesis:
   • In a systematic review dissertation, studies are selected based on a transparent and well-documented process, and the data is synthesized either qualitatively or quantitatively.
   • The data collection process typically involves a systematically searching of databases and reviewing a wide range of studies, often with two people involved in selecting and assessing the studies. This helps minimize bias and ensures the review process is rigorous and transparent.
   • A flow diagram may be used to document the review process, helping to track the studies reviewed and selected for inclusion.
5. Registration and Protocol:
   • Many systematic reviews, especially in health research, require registering your protocol in a registry such as PROSPERO, which helps ensure transparency and prevents duplication of efforts. It also helps others to see your research plan and the criteria used for selecting studies.
   • You should submit your protocol in advance to a registry, ensuring that your review is conducted in an organized and systematic manner.

How to Write a Systematic Review Dissertation

Writing a systematic review dissertation requires a structured approach to ensure clarity, coherence, and thorough analysis of the available evidence. Below are key steps and tips to help you write an effective systematic review dissertation.

Structuring Your Dissertation: Key Components

1. Introduction:
   • Begin by clearly defining the research question and the aim of your systematic review. This will guide your research and provide context for your findings.
   • Introduce the topic and highlight why a systematic review is necessary for addressing gaps in existing research. Explain the significance of the high-quality research evidence relevant to your topic.
2. Methodology:
   • Clearly describe the search for relevant studies. This section should outline the search methodology, including databases searched, keywords used, and inclusion/exclusion criteria.
   • Discuss the systematic review is a type of research that follows predefined protocols for selection and evaluation, ensuring consistency and minimizing bias in the review process.
   • Detail how you assessed the quality research evidence and the tools or criteria used (e.g., Cochrane, PRISMA) to evaluate the studies.
3. Results:
   • Present your findings in a clear and organized manner, summarizing the data from the studies you included. This section often involves both a qualitative and quantitative synthesis, depending on the type of studies selected.
   • Use tables, charts, and figures to enhance readability and provide a visual summary of the key findings.
4. Discussion:
   • Analyze and interpret the results. Discuss the implications of the findings, identify gaps in the existing research, and propose areas for future research.
   • Compare and contrast the studies you reviewed, considering their strengths and limitations.
5. Conclusion:
   • Provide a concise summary of your findings and their significance. Reiterate how your systematic review dissertation contributes to the broader academic field.

Tips for Writing a Literature Review Section

1. Organize by Themes:
   • Instead of summarizing each study individually, organize the literature review section thematically. This helps provide a clearer structure for presenting the findings from multiple studies.
2. Synthesize, Don’t Summarize:
   • Rather than simply listing studies, focus on synthesizing the information. Compare different findings, methodologies, and conclusions to identify patterns or discrepancies in the literature.
3. Be Critical:
   • A key feature of a systematic review dissertation is critical analysis. Assess the quality research evidence and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the studies you reviewed.
4. Include Recent Research:
   • Make sure to include recent studies in your review, especially from reputable sources such as BMC, as this ensures that your dissertation reflects the latest developments in the field.

Common Pitfalls in Writing a Systematic Review Dissertation

1. Lack of Clear Research Question:
   • One of the most common mistakes is not defining a clear and focused research question. Without a well-defined question, the systematic review dissertation can become unfocused and lack coherence.
2. Overlooking the Methodology:
   • The methodology section is crucial. Failing to describe your search methodology and the criteria used for study selection can weaken the transparency and reproducibility of your review.
3. Inadequate Synthesis:
   • Simply summarizing the studies without synthesizing the data is a common pitfall. It is important to provide a comparative analysis of the findings, not just a descriptive overview.
4. Ignoring Gaps in the Research:
   • Failing to identify and discuss the gaps in the existing research is another mistake. This is an important part of your contribution to the academic community.

By following these guidelines, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your systematic review dissertation is well-structured, clear, and impactful. Whether you are working on an undergraduate or MSC level dissertation, the approach remains largely the same, focusing on a rigorous and systematic evaluation of the existing literature.

What Research Methods are Used in Systematic Reviews?

A systematic review dissertation involves a detailed evaluation and synthesis of high-quality research evidence relevant to a specific research question or topic. Depending on the nature of the studies included, different research methods may be used. Below, we explore the key research methods used in systematic review dissertations.

Qualitative vs Quantitative Research Methods

1. Qualitative Research Methods:
   • Qualitative methods focus on exploring and understanding complex phenomena through non-numerical data. In a systematic review dissertation, qualitative research typically includes case studies, interviews, and thematic analyses.
   • Qualitative studies often aim to provide deep insights into people’s experiences, attitudes, or behaviors, and synthesizing the data from these studies helps build a narrative around a specific topic or research question.
   • Qualitative synthesis in systematic reviews can involve summarizing common themes, patterns, and findings across studies. This approach is often used in disciplines like psychology, social sciences, and health research.
   • Systematic reviews based on qualitative studies often provide high-quality research evidence relevant to understanding complex issues that cannot be quantified easily.
2. Quantitative Research Methods:
   • Quantitative research involves numerical data and statistical analysis. When conducting a systematic review dissertation with quantitative studies, the goal is to aggregate data from multiple studies, often using meta-analysis techniques.
   • Meta-analysis combines results from various studies to calculate pooled estimates and determine the overall effect size, helping to draw more robust conclusions from high-quality research evidence.
   • This method is common in fields such as medicine, education, and economics, where outcomes like treatment efficacy or behavior changes can be measured quantitatively.
   • In quantitative systematic reviews, search for relevant studies often includes clinical trials, cohort studies, or longitudinal studies that report numerical data on specific outcomes.

Understanding Evidence Synthesis in Systematic Reviews

1. Evidence Synthesis:
   • Synthesis of evidence is a key component of a systematic review dissertation. It involves combining findings from multiple studies to provide a coherent and comprehensive answer to the research question.
   • Evidence synthesis can be either qualitative (summarizing themes, trends, and patterns) or quantitative (statistical aggregation of results).
   • The aim of evidence synthesis is to provide a balanced and unbiased overview of the existing literature, identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of the studies included in the review.
   • Synthesizing the data also includes identifying gaps in the research, which can help inform future studies or interventions.

Utilizing Databases for Systematic Reviews

1. Databases Used in Systematic Reviews:
   • A systematic review dissertation relies heavily on academic databases to identify and select relevant studies. These databases host peer-reviewed articles, journals, and studies that contribute to the body of evidence in various fields.
   • Key databases for systematic reviews include PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus. These databases often offer access to a large collection of high-quality research evidence relevant to the topic of interest.
   • Researchers may also include studies from specialized databases like BMC for biomedical research or PsycINFO for psychological research. These databases often have filters to ensure that only the most relevant studies are included in the review.
   • The process of searching for relevant articles typically involves defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, specifying key terms, and narrowing the search based on study quality and methodology.
   • Systematic review dissertations often also include unpublished studies, such as dissertations or conference papers, to ensure a comprehensive review of the topic.

Systematic review dissertations utilize both qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze and synthesize data from existing studies. These methods help provide a thorough and unbiased understanding of the research landscape, ensuring that the review is based on high-quality research evidence relevant to the topic at hand. Whether the review is review-based on qualitative themes or the aggregation of numerical data, the goal is to deliver reliable and actionable insights.

How to Appraise and Synthesize Findings

In a systematic review dissertation, appraising the quality of the studies included and synthesizing the data is crucial for ensuring that your review is comprehensive, reliable, and based on high-quality research evidence relevant to your research question. Below, we explore methods for appraising studies, synthesizing data, and common biases to watch out for.

Methods for Appraising the Quality of Studies

1. Critical Appraisal:
   • Appraising the quality of studies is a key step in conducting a systematic review dissertation. The goal is to evaluate whether the studies included are methodologically sound and whether their findings are trustworthy.
   • This process involves assessing factors such as study design, sample size, methodology, and data analysis techniques. A high-quality research evidence relevant to the research question will come from studies with strong methodologies.
   • Some common tools for appraising the quality of studies include:
     • Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool: Used to evaluate the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
     • JBI Critical Appraisal Tools: Used for evaluating studies in fields like healthcare and social science.
     • PRISMA Checklist: A guideline that helps assess whether systematic reviews themselves meet high-quality reporting standards.
2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:
   • Define strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure only studies that meet your quality standards are included. Studies that fail to meet these criteria should be excluded from the review to maintain the integrity of the findings.

Synthesizing Data: Techniques and Tools

1. Qualitative Synthesis:
   • For qualitative studies, data synthesis involves summarizing and categorizing key themes, findings, and patterns. This type of synthesis is especially useful in research areas like psychology, sociology, and health where studies may not involve numerical data.
   • The process of synthesizing findings from qualitative studies may include:
     • Thematic synthesis: Grouping study findings by themes or categories.
     • Narrative synthesis: Providing a descriptive summary of the findings in a narrative format.
2. Quantitative Synthesis (Meta-Analysis):
   • If your systematic review dissertation includes quantitative studies, you may use meta-analysis to combine data across studies statistically. This is especially useful when studies measure the same outcome.
   • Techniques like effect size calculation and forest plots are used in meta-analysis to combine results and quantify the overall effect.
3. Software Tools for Synthesis:
   • Tools like RevMan (Review Manager) and EndNote can be used to organize, analyze, and synthesize the data from multiple studies.
   • EndNote is especially useful for managing citations and referencing, while RevMan helps with statistical analysis in meta-analyses.

Common Biases to Watch Out For

1. Selection Bias:
   • Selection bias occurs when certain studies are included or excluded based on subjective judgment, leading to a distorted representation of the evidence.
   • To minimize this, make sure to use clear inclusion and exclusion criteria and ensure the process is transparent and reproducible.
2. Publication Bias:
   • Publication bias arises when positive results are more likely to be published than negative or inconclusive results, leading to an overestimation of the effects.
   • A systematic review dissertation should include both published and unpublished studies (e.g., grey literature) to minimize this bias.
3. Reporting Bias:
   • Reporting bias occurs when certain outcomes are selectively reported in studies. This can be mitigated by reviewing all relevant outcomes in the included studies, even those that may not support the hypothesis.
4. Analysis Bias:
   • Analysis bias occurs when data is analyzed in a way that favours certain outcomes. To avoid this, ensure that data synthesis is based on standardized methods and avoid cherry-picking favorable results.

Appraising and synthesizing findings in a systematic review dissertation ensures that the conclusions drawn are based on high-quality research evidence relevant to your research question. By carefully appraising studies, using proper synthesis techniques, and being mindful of common biases like selection, publication, and analysis bias, you can produce a robust and reliable systematic review. Maintaining transparency and consistency throughout the process is key to ensuring the quality and validity of your findings.

Recommendations for Successful Systematic Reviews

A systematic review dissertation requires careful planning, rigorous execution, and transparent reporting. Following best practices ensures that the review is comprehensive, unbiased, and based on high-quality research evidence relevant to the research question. Below are key recommendations for conducting a successful systematic review dissertation.

Best Practices for Conducting a Systematic Review

1. Clearly Define Your Research Question:
   • The foundation of any systematic review dissertation is a well-defined research question. Ensure that your question is specific, focused, and clear, guiding the entire review process.
   • Use frameworks like PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to help structure your question.
2. Develop a Robust Protocol:
   • Creating a systematic protocol before starting your review helps to maintain consistency and transparency. The protocol should include:
     • Inclusion and exclusion criteria for selecting studies.
     • A clear search methodology for identifying relevant studies.
     • A detailed plan for data extraction and analysis.
   • Register your protocol in databases like PROSPERO to increase transparency and avoid duplication of efforts.
3. Use Comprehensive Search Strategies:
   • A systematic review dissertation requires a thorough search for relevant studies. Use a range of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and others relevant to your field to ensure all potential studies are included.
   • Make sure your search strategy is clearly documented, including the use of appropriate keywords, Boolean operators, and date restrictions.
4. Ensure Rigorous Appraisal of Studies:
   • Critically appraise the studies included in your review to ensure they meet high methodological standards. Tools like the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and JBI Critical Appraisal Tools can help assess study quality.
   • Exclude studies with high risk of bias or poor methodological quality to ensure that the findings of your systematic review dissertation are based on reliable data.

Using PRISMA Guidelines for Reporting

1. Follow the PRISMA Guidelines:
   • The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines are essential for ensuring transparent and complete reporting of your systematic review dissertation.
   • The PRISMA checklist covers essential components of systematic reviews, including:
     • Structured abstracts.
     • Detailed methodology sections.
     • Data synthesis and discussion of findings.
   • Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your review meets high standards of quality and transparency.
2. Use the PRISMA Flow Diagram:
   • The PRISMA flow diagram is a visual tool that tracks the selection process of studies included in your review. It helps document the number of studies screened, excluded, and included, providing a clear overview of the process.
   • This diagram increases transparency and helps readers follow your systematic review process.

Resources and Tools for Systematic Review Researchers

1. Databases for High-Quality Research Evidence:
   • To conduct a systematic review dissertation, you need access to reputable academic databases like Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and others relevant to your field.
   • These databases host a wealth of high-quality research evidence relevant to your research question and help ensure that your systematic review includes the most reliable and up-to-date studies.
2. Software for Data Management and Analysis:
   • Tools like EndNote and RevMan can streamline the process of managing references, extracting data, and performing statistical analysis (if conducting a meta-analysis).
   • RevMan is particularly useful for conducting quantitative data synthesis and creating forest plots for meta-analyses.
3. Support from University Libraries and LibGuides:
   • Most universities offer libguides at university and library resources to help students navigate the systematic review process. These resources provide step-by-step guidance on how to conduct a systematic review, manage references, and report findings.
4. Collaboration and Peer Review:
   • Collaborating with experienced researchers or seeking feedback from peers can significantly improve the quality of your systematic review. Engaging with a research community ensures that your approach remains rigorous and unbiased.

A successful systematic review dissertation relies on clear planning, adherence to established guidelines, and the use of reliable tools and resources. By following best practices such as defining your research question, using comprehensive search strategies, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, and utilizing relevant resources, you can produce a high-quality review that is transparent, rigorous, and based on high quality research evidence relevant to your topic.

FAQs About Systematic Literature Review and Scoping Review Dissertations

What are the 5 steps of a systematic review?

The 5 steps of a systematic review dissertation include:

• Defining the research question,
• Developing a review protocol,
• Conducting a comprehensive literature search,
• Appraising the quality of included studies, and
• Synthesizing and analyzing the data.
  Each step ensures that your systematic review dissertation is transparent, rigorous, and based on high-quality evidence.

Can I do a systematic review in 3 months?

Completing a systematic review dissertation in three months is possible, but challenging. It depends on the scope, access to resources, and the complexity of the research question. Planning, time management, and staying focused are essential for completing the review in this timeframe.

How long should a literature review be for a 10,000-word dissertation?

For a 10,000-word dissertation, the literature review should typically be 2,000-3,000 words. However, the length may vary depending on the depth and scope of the systematic review dissertation. It should provide a comprehensive overview, summarizing the existing research, gaps, and your review approach.

Is a systematic review enough for a PhD?

A systematic review dissertation can be sufficient for a PhD, especially in fields where synthesis of existing research is crucial. However, it depends on the PhD requirements and the depth of original research needed. In some cases, combining a systematic review with primary research may be necessary to meet academic expectations.