Self-Assessment Checklist for Your SLR Search

This checklist, adapted from vom Brocke et al. (2015) , helps you evaluate whether your search meets the standards of rigor expected in a systematic review. Use it at three stages: before you search, while searching, and after completing your search. 

 Before the Literature Search 

 

 I have developed an understanding of the topic through preliminary reading 

 I have justified why a literature review is necessary (addressed in my protocol background section) 

 I have defined an appropriate search scope (inclusion/exclusion criteria are documented) 

 I have assessed the feasibility and coverage of my planned search (tested search strings, confirmed database access) 

 

 During the Literature Search 

 

 I tested alternative search approaches (tried different combinations of terms, checked controlled vocabulary) 

 I used justifiable search techniques and parameters (Boolean operators, truncation, filters documented) 

 I applied appropriate criteria for inclusion and exclusion consistently 

 I documented every search in my logbook (database, date, string, results count) 

 

 After the Literature Search 

 

 I assessed the sensitivity and specificity of my search (did it retrieve known-relevant papers? did it exclude obviously irrelevant ones?) 

 I rigorously documented the search process and results (logbook complete, PRISMA numbers recorded) 

 I compared my results with those of other reviews on similar topics (if available) 

 I collected feedback from my supervisor on the search strategy and results 

 

 

 Reference: vom Brocke, J. et al. (2015). Standing on the shoulders of giants: Challenges and recommendations of literature search in information systems research. Communications of the Association for Information Systems , 37. doi:10.17705/1CAIS.03709