Introduction
Three types of review are generally distinguished in nursing research: the literature review, the systematic review, and the integrative review. The last two are subtypes of the first, and all three are utilized in practice, and so a significant amount of confusion can surface if one is not familiar with the differences. However, each variety of literature review has a distinct purpose and accomplishes a unique task. This essay will summarize the principal differences between the three types and their aims.
Main Text
As the broadest category of investigation, the basic characteristics of a literature review can be inferred from its name. According to Machi and McEvoy (2016), “a literature review is a written argument that supports a thesis position by building a case from credible evidence obtained from previous research” (p. 5). Systematic reviews are more restrictive, as according to Holly (2014), they use data from primary studies and mirror their approach. The last category, integrative reviews, covers a broader range, discussing “quantitative and qualitative research publications, theoretical and philosophical publications, and other sources of evidence” (Reavy, 2016, p. 85). While systematic reviews try to answer specific questions, integrative reviews are used to develop theory, discover ideas, and provide context for findings.
Conclusion
Nursing researchers should be able to distinguish between the different types of literature review. The ability is critical when attempting to judge the credibility and validity as well as applications of the study. It is better to rely on the results of a systematic review than those of a single study when discussing the validity of a particular intervention. Lastly, when trying to work with theory or create new approaches, a scholar should understand what types of information can be used in an integrative review.
References
Holly, C. (ed.). (2014). Scholarly inquiry and the DNP capstone. New York, NY: Springer.
Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2016). The literature review: Six steps to success (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Reavy, K. (2016). Inquiry and leadership: A resource for the DNP project. Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis Company.