Best Practices for Conducting Systematic Reviews: Perspectives of Experienced Systematic Review Researchers in Educational Sciences

Abstract Systematic reviews have been gaining attention as a research methodology and are among the most frequently cited sources in educational sciences. However, best practices for conducting systematic reviews in educational sciences are still evolving. We conducted N = 12 qualitative interviews to learn from experienced systematic review researchers across various educational disciplines and geographic locations. The interviews focused on the different steps of the systematic review process (i.e., designing, including/excluding, screening, coding, analyzing, reporting), benefits, challenges, team collaboration, ethical considerations, and technologies while conducting systematic reviews. Several themes were identified, providing best practices for conducting systematic reviews and highlighting the importance of a systematic, comprehensive, and transparent research process. The findings have implications for researchers who wish to conduct systematic reviews, instructors who teach students on conducting systematic reviews, as well as editors and reviewers of journals who publish systematic reviews.