In a narrative review, which of the following is mainly avoided?

In a narrative review, a structured methodology is mainly avoided because such reviews are typically more flexible and subjective in their approach to summarizing existing literature. Unlike systematic reviews, which follow a rigorously defined protocol for searching, selecting, and synthesizing studies, narrative reviews do not adhere to a strict framework. This allows authors the freedom to explore and present information based on their insights, making it less formal and more interpretative.

While narrative reviews may summarize theoretical frameworks, key findings from various studies, and even include discussions on competing theories, they do so at the discretion of the authors without the structured elements that characterize other types of reviews, particularly systematic reviews. The flexibility in how the literature is presented and discussed is key to the nature of narrative reviews, highlighting their subjective interpretation rather than a systematic aggregation of evidence.