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Scoping Reviews

 

 

 

Welcome to UNL Libraries LibGuide to Scoping Reviews!

This LibGuide is part of the Advanced Reviews series, and provides guidance and resources for conducting scoping reviews.

What is a scoping review?

A Scoping Review is one of many evidence synthesis methodologies. Similar to a Systematic Review, a Scoping Review requires a systematic search strategy and clear, structured reporting. Unlike a Systematic Review, a Scoping Review is exploratory in nature and answers a broad research question designed to assess the extent of the existing research. Often there is little to no data analysis and usually no risk of bias performed in a scoping review.

The official definition developed by the JBI Scoping Reviews Methodology Group says:

"Scoping reviews are a type of evidence synthesis that aims to systematically identify and map the breadth of evidence available on a particular topic, field, concept, or issue, often irrespective of source (ie, primary research, reviews, non-empirical evidence) within or across particular contexts. Scoping reviews can clarify key concepts/definitions in the literature and identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept, including those related to methodological research."

According to Arksey & O'Malley, who wrote the seminal work on Scoping Reviews, this particular methodology serves 4 primary purposes

  1. To map the extent of research conducted on a topic
  2. To determine if a full systematic review is warranted
  3. To summarize the existing research
  4. To identify gaps in the research

Scoping Review or Systematic Review?

How do you know which to choose for your project? This video can help.

Learn more about the different types of reviews:

Limitations of a scoping review

It is also important to note the limitations inherent in scoping review methodology both as you plan your project and in your published paper. Here are a few to consider:

  • Usually does not include risk of bias or other assessment of included studies
  • Are typically broad at the expense of depth
  • Are prone to scope creep
  • Often points to research that needs to be conducted rather than contributing to original research

Further reading

About and evolution of the methodology

Guidelines

Reporting standards

Contributors

Contributors to this guide

Elle Covington (they/them), Assistant Professor Research Specialist Librarian, UNL Libraries, originally published 10/10/23

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