Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

scoping-study

noun

/ˈskoʊ.pɪŋ ˈstʌdi/

Definition

A scoping study is a preliminary exploration or assessment of a particular topic or area of research that aims to identify the scope of available evidence and research gaps.

Examples

The scoping study revealed significant gaps in the current understanding of patient care models.
Before initiating a deep dive into the research, the team conducted a scoping study to outline the necessary background.
The findings from the scoping study informed the direction of the subsequent systematic review.

Meaning

It helps researchers understand the breadth of existing literature on a topic, facilitating the identification of relevant research questions and gaps in knowledge that may need further investigation.