Abstract:

Increasing research in social sciences offers researchers the opportunity to conduct comparative studies in different contexts. As the number of studies increases, both researchers and practitioners are conflicted about the effectiveness of the interventions. In fact, the outcomes may be complicated, conflicting, or inconsistent. Therefore, further studies are required. The aim of this study is to provide information on how systematic reviews can be used in the educational sciences. Systematic reviews offer comprehensive and in-depth findings on a subject to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. In this study, the definition of systematic review, its application in educational sciences, and its stages were compiled in light of the discussions in the literature. Accordingly, a systematic review can be divided into three stages: designing of the systematic review, search and screening, and review reporting. When conducting a systematic review, some biases need to be taken into account, including selection, publication, time-lag, selective outcome reporting, lack of risk of bias assessment, duplication, language, duplicate publication, and database biases. Various platforms and software can be used while preparing a systematic review; however, these should be used carefully, especially to avoid bias.

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