What is the term for a review where scientists systematically gather all research on a topic and evaluate it based on predefined criteria and rules?

The term for a review where scientists systematically gather all research on a topic and evaluate it based on predefined criteria and rules is referred to as a systematic review. This approach is distinct because it follows a rigorous methodology to ensure that the review is comprehensive, eliminating selection bias. A systematic review typically includes a detailed protocol stating how studies were selected, criteria for inclusion or exclusion, and how data were analyzed, thus providing transparency and reproducibility.

This allows practitioners and researchers to make informed decisions based on a complete picture of the evidence surrounding a specific area of research. As part of a systematic review, researchers often aim to synthesize findings across studies to provide a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of an intervention or to identify gaps in the current research.

While other types of reviews exist, such as meta-analysis, literature review, and case studies, they do not adhere to the systematic approach that characterizes a systematic review. A meta-analysis, for instance, specifically involves statistical techniques to combine results from multiple studies, while literature reviews may not follow strict protocols for selecting studies. Case studies focus on detailed investigations of a single individual or specific instance rather than an overview of existing research on a topic.