Narrative Review
A narrative review is a qualitative research methodology that synthesizes and summarizes existing literature on a specific topic without using systematic or meta-analytic techniques. It provides a comprehensive overview, identifies key themes, and offers critical insights based on the author's interpretation and expertise. This approach is commonly used in academic, medical, and social science fields to contextualize research and inform practice or policy.
Developers should learn narrative review when conducting literature reviews for research papers, technical reports, or project proposals to understand the state of the art in a field. It is useful for identifying gaps in knowledge, summarizing trends in technology (e.g., software development practices), and providing background for decision-making in areas like system design or tool selection. This skill enhances critical thinking and communication in technical contexts.