Systematic review as a methodology for E/LE research

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present the methodology called ‘systematic review’ as a novel and useful instrument for bibliographic research in the field of E/LE. First, we present a taxonomy of literature reviews based on the general aspects that define them. Next, we address a typology of reviews and their characteristics, on the one hand, contrasting the traditional background review with the modern systematic review, on the other hand, comparing the different types targeted. We also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of this method. Through this approach to the concept of systematic review as an object of scientific research with its own characteristics, we ultimately aim to publicize a methodology that we believe has a lot of potential in the area of E/LE, where it is practically unknown, and that may interest those who decide to undertake bibliographic research.