A literature review is an overview of previously published material on a given topic area.
No definitive type of study is looked at.
Describes and appraises previous work but does not describe specific methods by which the reviewed studies were identified, selected and evaluated- therefore it cannot be replicated and can give way to bias.
Often used as rationale for new research, as it identifies gaps in the research.
Review articles can cover a wide range of subject matter at various levels of completeness and comprehensiveness based on analyses of literature.
