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Scoping review search practices in the social sciences: A scoping review
Judith Logan1, Jenaya Webb1, Nalini K Singh1
1University of Toronto Libraries, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Research Synthesis Methods
|August 13, 2024
Summary
Social science researchers increasingly use scoping reviews, but search practices vary. Improving reporting through PRISMA-S guidelines, supplementary searches, and librarian collaboration can enhance review impact.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Information Science
- Research Methodology
Background:
- Scoping reviews are crucial in social sciences, requiring thorough literature searches.
- The use of scoping reviews has significantly increased between 2015 and 2021.
- Reviews predominantly originate from clinical and applied social science fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the literature search practices of social science researchers in scoping reviews.
- To identify areas for improvement in the methodology and reporting of social science scoping reviews.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of 2484 scoping reviews published between 2015 and 2021.
- Data extracted from the Social Science Citation Index.
- Examination of search strategies, information sources, and acknowledgment of LIS professionals.
Main Results:
- A 58% average annual increase in scoping review publications observed.
- Bibliographic databases were the primary search source (75%), with varied reporting.
- Most reviews (73%) used supplementary searches, but only 29% acknowledged LIS professionals, with 8% listing them as co-authors.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to PRISMA-S reporting guidelines is recommended for improved transparency.
- Increased utilization of supplementary search strategies can enhance review comprehensiveness.
- Collaboration with Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals is vital for strengthening scoping review impact in social sciences.
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