Literature searches as a basis for evidence-based research

Background information and support offers

For the preparation of grant applications, study protocols and for final publications, it is necessary to justify one's own research project.

The basis for the classification and discussion of one's own research in the scientific context is a structured, comprehensible and reproducible literature research.

This can serve the following goals:

  • Illuminating the scientific context ("Research in Context") or a rapid, processing of the literature on a question ("Rapid Review").
  • As complete as possible summary of all available evidence ("Systematic Review").

    Depending on the breadth of the questions investigated, two common types of review can be distinguished:
    • Scoping Review (evidence review without critical evaluation)
    • Systematic Review with or without meta-analysis (to answer a defined research question)