Which type of peer-reviewed article provides critical reviews of existing literature?

Systematic reviews are comprehensive studies that synthesize and critically evaluate existing literature on a specific topic. They involve a structured approach to searching for and selecting relevant studies, assessing the quality of the evidence, and summarizing findings in a way that informs practice or highlights gaps in knowledge. The purpose of a systematic review is to provide an overview of the current state of research, making it easier for practitioners and researchers to understand what has been established and what needs further investigation.

This type of article is distinguished by its methodology, which includes rigorous criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies, and a systematic process for data extraction and analysis. By aggregating results from various studies, systematic reviews can present a broader perspective on the effectiveness of interventions or the prevalence of issues, aiding in evidence-informed decision-making. In contrast, editorials, research articles, and short reports each serve different purposes, typically focusing on presenting new research findings or opinions rather than providing a comprehensive review of existing literature.