Literature Review Matrix Generator
Transform your literature review process with this comprehensive matrix generator designed for researchers, graduate students, and academics. Organize multiple studies systematically by tracking author, year, title, study design, sample size, population, intervention, outcomes, key findings, limitations, and quality scores. Features powerful search and filtering capabilities, multiple sort options, and flexible export formats (CSV for Excel/Google Sheets, JSON for backup). Save your work to browser storage and resume anytime. Perfect for dissertations, systematic reviews, research proposals, and meta-analyses. Includes print-friendly formatting for inclusion in academic papers.
Key Features
- Add, edit, delete, and duplicate study entries
- Track 12+ data fields per study
- Study design selector with 12 common types
- Quality assessment scoring (High/Moderate/Low)
- Real-time search across all fields
- Filter by study design type
- Sort by year, author, design, or quality
- Export to CSV for Excel/Google Sheets
- Export to JSON for data backup
- Import from JSON to restore data
- Save/load from browser local storage
- Print-friendly layout for papers
- Statistics dashboard with study counts
- Year range tracking
- Design distribution analysis
- No login or account required
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a literature review matrix and why do I need one?
A literature review matrix is a systematic table that organizes key information from multiple research studies in one place, allowing for easy comparison and synthesis. It helps you identify patterns, gaps, contradictions, and trends across studies. Using a matrix prevents missing important details, facilitates critical analysis, and makes writing your literature review much more efficient. It's essential for dissertations, systematic reviews, and comprehensive research proposals.
What information should I track in my literature review matrix?
Essential fields include: author/year, title, study design, sample size and population, intervention or variables studied, data collection methods, key findings, limitations, and quality assessment. This tool tracks 12+ fields covering all these aspects. You can customize which fields to use based on your research focus and discipline requirements.
How do I assess the quality of studies in my matrix?
Quality assessment considers: study design rigor (RCTs rank higher than case studies), sample size adequacy, measurement validity, appropriate analysis methods, control of confounding variables, and clarity of reporting. Rate studies as High, Moderate, or Low quality. For systematic reviews, use formal quality assessment tools like GRADE, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, or Cochrane Risk of Bias tool alongside this matrix.
Can I use this matrix for systematic reviews and meta-analyses?
Yes! This tool is perfect for organizing studies during systematic review screening and data extraction phases. Track study characteristics, outcomes, and quality scores for all included studies. Export to CSV for statistical analysis software if conducting meta-analysis. However, for formal systematic reviews, also follow PRISMA guidelines for complete reporting.
Is this literature review matrix tool free?
Yes, completely free with unlimited studies, no registration required. Save your matrices to browser storage, export to CSV for Excel/Google Sheets, and generate publication-ready comparison tables. Perfect for students, researchers, and academics at any level.