Which type of review is commonly published in peer-reviewed research journals?

Narrative reviews are commonly published in peer-reviewed research journals because they synthesize and summarize existing literature on a particular topic, offering a comprehensive overview of the state of research. These reviews can identify trends, gaps, and areas for future investigation, thus providing valuable insights to researchers and practitioners. Unlike original research articles that present new findings, narrative reviews focus on the interpretation and integration of previously published studies, making them broadly useful for the scientific community.

In contrast, experimental reports emphasize original research and typically present specific experiments or studies. Case studies focus on detailed examinations of a single instance or a small group of instances, which can provide in-depth insights into unique situations but do not offer the broader synthesis that narrative reviews provide. Technical reports often address specific methodologies or technologies and may not undergo the rigorous peer-review process typical of narrative reviews. Overall, narrative reviews serve an essential role in academia by connecting various research findings and guiding future inquiries within a field.