Knowledge Synthesis

Also known as mapping reviews. Systematically and transparently collects and categorizes existing evidence on a broad topic or set of research questions.

• Seeks to identify research gaps and opportunities for evidence synthesis.
• May critically evaluate existing evidence, but does not attempt to synthesize the results in the way a systematic review would.
• May take longer than a systematic review
• See Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework for methodological guidance
• See Environmental Evidence Journal Systematic Maps and Guidance on Systematic Maps—CIFOR.

Munn, Z., Peters, M. D. J., Stern, C., Tufanaru, C., McArthur, A., & Aromataris, E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 18(1), 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x