Which of the following best describes the methodology used in a systematic review?

A systematic review is characterized by a rigorous and replicable methodology, which is designed to synthesize existing research on a particular topic in a comprehensive manner. This approach typically involves a clear and structured process that includes defining specific research questions, developing inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies, systematically searching for relevant literature, and applying predetermined methods for data extraction and analysis. This level of rigor helps to minimize bias and increase the reliability of the findings, allowing for a more objective assessment of the evidence available on the topic.

The systematic review's repeatability is essential as it allows other researchers to replicate the study and validate its findings, which is fundamental in the scientific community for building a trustworthy body of knowledge. This contrasts significantly with methodologies that rely on informal or subjective assessments, random selection of studies without systematic criteria, or personal opinions, which can lead to inconsistent and less reliable conclusions.