PREFACE

Scientific research is the cornerstone of knowledge generation and innovation. Among the multitude of methodologies available, systematic reviews stand out as essential tools for synthesizing existing literature, identifying research gaps and informing evidence-based practice. By rigorously analyzing and integrating findings from multiple studies, systematic reviews contribute to the advancement of academic disciplines and professional fields by providing a comprehensive overview of a given research area.

The methodological rigor required for systematic reviews ensures reliability, transparency and reproducibility, which are critical for maintaining scientific integrity. Given the rapid expansion of research in various fields, scholars and practitioners increasingly rely on systematic reviews to navigate the wealth of information available and draw meaningful conclusions.

Our motivation for this study stems from the growing need for structured and methodical approaches to reviewing interdisciplinary literature, particularly in the social sciences, psychology and education.

We are grateful to all the researchers, academics and professionals whose contributions have shaped the field of systematic reviews. We hope that this book will serve as a valuable resource for students, scholars and practitioners, guiding them through the rigorous process of conducting systematic reviews and ultimately supporting the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Ece Yağcı Akgündüz, Dr. Mustafa Özgenel