Review articles
Review articles
A Review article (pronounced: /rɪˈvjuː ˈɑːrtɪkl/) is a type of academic paper or scholarly article that provides a synthesis of existing research on a particular topic. They are often written by experts in the field and are typically used to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding on a subject.
Etymology
The term "review article" is derived from the English words "review" (from the Middle English revewen, meaning to look back or inspect) and "article" (from the Latin articulus, meaning a small joint or division). In the context of academic literature, a review article is a piece that "reviews" or looks back on the existing body of work on a specific topic.
Types of Review Articles
There are several types of review articles, including:
- Narrative Review: This type of review provides a broad overview of a topic, based on the author's personal interpretation and experience. It does not follow a strict methodology.
- Systematic Review: A systematic review follows a rigorous methodology to identify, select, and critically appraise all relevant research on a specific topic. It often includes a meta-analysis, which is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple studies.
- Scoping Review: A scoping review is used to map the key concepts underpinning a research area and the main sources and types of evidence available.
- Literature Review: A literature review is a comprehensive survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It is used to provide a summary, comparison, and evaluation of the current state of knowledge on the topic.
Importance of Review Articles
Review articles play a crucial role in the advancement of medical and scientific knowledge. They provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on a topic, identify gaps in the existing literature, and suggest areas for future research. They are often used as a starting point for researchers and clinicians who are new to a topic.
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