According to Hart (1998), “A literature review is an objective, thorough summary and critical analysis of the relevant available research and non-research literature on the topic being studied” (as cited in Cronin, Ryan & Coughlan 2008).
Implemented in response to specific questions about clinical practice; designation of criteria for including/excluding literature is important part of this type of review.
Purpose: aims at producing an inclusive list of the entire literature on a topic; set apart the literature on a topic based on predefined criteria; assess and synthesize these sources
Summarizes, synthesizes and discusses literature on chosen topic; selective with regard to sources included.
Purpose: to give a comprehensive overview of the literature in a chosen area; to identify gaps in existing research; to develop conceptual framework; to refine research topic/question
(Cronin et al. 2008, 38)
(Murray 2006:115)