A systematic review is a research method that collects and analyzes all available studies on a specific topic to provide a comprehensive understanding of that area. Researchers follow a structured approach to identify, evaluate, and synthesize findings from various studies, ensuring that the review is thorough and unbiased. This method is often used in fields like medicine and psychology to assess the effectiveness of treatments or interventions.
The process typically involves defining clear research questions, setting inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies, and using databases to gather relevant literature. By summarizing the evidence, a systematic review helps inform decisions in practice and policy, making it a valuable tool for professionals like healthcare providers and policy makers.