Key points at a glance
- Ask a mapping question.
- Document search and selection.
- Interpret apparent gaps cautiously.
Check whether mapping is the right aim
A scoping review maps concepts, evidence types and open areas across a broad question. It does not automatically answer a narrow effectiveness question. Check that the scope and your supervisor’s expectations fit a bachelor thesis.
Set the question and criteria first
Example: “What forms of online writing support have been described for university students?” Specify population, concept, context, databases, years, languages and inclusion rules before searching. A broad question permits diverse studies but still needs selection rules.
Keep a traceable selection record
Save search strings, dates, hit counts, duplicates and exclusion reasons. Recheck borderline records. If one person screened or databases were unavailable, state this limitation rather than claiming complete coverage.
Write a map, not a list
Group included work by approach, population or method and explain patterns. Describe thin evidence without calling every empty cell a proven research gap. Use PRISMA-ScR as a reporting framework when it fits your design.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Mapping question defined.
- Criteria set in advance.
- Search process recorded.
- Coverage limits stated.
Common mistakes
- Claiming a scoping review proves effectiveness.
- Losing search strings.
- Treating every missing study as a confirmed gap.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a protocol?
Recording the question and rules in advance improves transparency; follow local requirements for format.
Must I assess quality?
Not every scoping review formally appraises quality; explain your choice.
Is it a systematic review?
No. The aim and breadth of the question differ, although both require transparent searching.