Systematic literature reviews – UGC NET Question

Statement D is wrong because a systematic review must aim to include all relevant studies that meet the criteria, not just those that support the researcher's preferred position; selective inclusion would bias the review. Statements A, B, C and E are correct: systematic reviews follow explicit procedures, define criteria in advance, may use meta-analysis or narrative synthesis and rely on transparent reporting for credibility. Thus, D alone is the incorrect statement.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect as it treats both A and D as wrong, despite A correctly describing the structured procedures that characterise a systematic review. Rejecting A would undermine the definition of systematic work.

Option B:
Option B is wrong because it pairs B with D, although B accurately states that inclusion and exclusion criteria are set beforehand. Without pre-specified criteria, a review would not be truly systematic.

Option C:
Option C is also incorrect since it includes C with D, even though C correctly explains that both quantitative meta-analysis and qualitative narrative synthesis can be used to integrate findings.

Option D:
Option D is correct because it isolates D as the only misleading statement, implicitly affirming that A, B, C and E reflect the rigorous and transparent nature of systematic reviews.