SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Abstract

While research activities in the field of social sciences are increasing, it results in independent studies focusing on the same subject but differing in terms of time, space, and actors of the subject of study, methods used, theoretical frameworks, research questions to be answered and results. This versatility and diversity, on the other hand, makes it difficult to identify and interpret the state of the art of scientific information, and critical findings and conclusions on a particular subject, what questions are yet to be answered, and how the field can be moved forward. For these purposes, while the traditional literature review method can guide researchers, it also brings some disadvantages. Systematic literature analysis, on the other hand, is frequently used as a method -especially in health sciences- that goes beyond traditional literature analysis. The aim of this article is to explain the purposes, features, and stages of the systematic literature review method for social sciences and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of it. In the article, first of all, information will be given about the aspects of the systematic literature review method that differs from the traditional literature review. Next, each of the stages that the systematic literature analysis includes will be explained in detail, along with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of the methodology.