A literature review matrix, also called synthesis matrix, is a chart for organizing the literature for a research question. The chart is organized so that variables and ideas can easily be compared. Research matrices are helpful in finding gaps in the research. Matrices are typically created in Excel. There are templates available, but researchers should consider the particular variables and categories that best suites their research question. For example, comparisons of randomized control trials with the same or very similar research questions typically focus heavily on the independent variables and study limitations to find gaps and comparisons. In a more open-ended research question, the research method or an argument may be a category.
Basic example
| long citation | in-text citation | research method | variables | findings |
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Annotated Bibliographies are a list of research with summaries. They summaries can vary depending on the assignment.