(Re)considering the Concept of Literature Review Reproducibility
Cram, W. Alec, Templier, Mathieu, Pare, Guy
Journal of the Association for Information Systems · 2020 · Volume 21 · Issue 5
Abstract
Literature reviews play a key role in academic research by describing, understanding, explaining, and testing the constructs and theories within a particular topic area. In recent years, various commentaries, debates, and editorials in the information systems (IS) field’s top journals have highlighted the importance of a trustworthy literature review process, including detailed discussions on systematicity and transparency. Although the reproducibility of a literature review has also been noted as important, it remains less recognized because of several terminology-related issues. This ambiguity could result in misunderstandings regarding the degree of trust that should be placed in a literature review’s process. In this research essay, we seek to clarify what makes a literature review reproducible, how it is distinct from related concepts, and when achieving it is desirable and feasible. We propose a series of clarifications and remedies to assist scholars within and outside the IS field in the preparation of stand-alone reviews.
Keywords
Literature review, Reproducibility, Repeatability, Replicability, Systematicity, Transparency
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