Which type of literature review identifies current gaps after reviewing existing literature comprehensively?

A systematic review is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of existing literature on a specific topic, assessing the quality, findings, and relevance of the studies included. This type of review employs a rigorous methodology to identify, select, and critically appraise all relevant research, allowing the reviewer to synthesize findings and draw conclusions about the state of the evidence.

One of the key aspects of a systematic review is its ability to highlight gaps in the existing literature. By evaluating the breadth and depth of available studies, a systematic review can point out areas where research is lacking, where particular populations have not been studied, or where findings are inconsistent. This capability not only enriches the understanding of the research landscape but also guides future research directions by indicating where new studies are necessary.

Other types of literature reviews, such as meta-analysis and pooled analysis, focus more on statistical synthesis of results and often require predefined criteria for including studies based on their quantitative outcomes. A computerized review typically entails the use of digital tools to aggregate research but lacks the systematic approach needed to thoroughly analyze and identify gaps. Thus, systematic reviews stand out for their comprehensive nature and their explicit objective to uncover areas needing further investigation.