Microscopy: Reviews

Microscopy Project Resources

Types of Review Articles

Grant and Booth (2009) summarize several types of reviews "A Typology of Reviews: An Analysis of 14 Review Types and Associated Methodologies," the following review descriptions are selected from their article (94-95 pages).

Critical review
Aims to demonstrate writer has extensively researched literature and critically evaluated its quality. Goes beyond mere description to include degree of analysis and conceptual innovation. Typically results in hypothesis or model
Literature Review
Generic term: published materials that provide examination of recent or current literature. Can cover wide range of subjects at various levels of completeness and comprehensiveness. May include research findings
Systematic review
Seeks to systematically search for, appraise and synthesis research evidence, often adhering to guidelines on the conduct of a review