In what way can literature reviews be classified based on the type of data they utilize?

Literature reviews can be classified based on the type of data they utilize, and the option indicating that they can incorporate both qualitative and quantitative data accurately reflects the diverse methodologies employed in conducting literature reviews.

A literature review is not confined to a single type of data; rather, it encompasses a comprehensive range of sources. Qualitative data often includes narratives, interviews, and observations that provide depth and context, while quantitative data consists of numerical information gathered from experiments, surveys, and statistical analyses. By integrating both types, literature reviews can offer a more holistic understanding of the research topic, drawing on the strengths of each data type to provide a well-rounded perspective.

The other options are limiting and do not capture the full breadth of literature review methodologies. For instance, restricting literature reviews to quantitative data only excludes valuable insights derived from qualitative research, which can highlight patterns and meanings that numbers alone might miss. Focusing solely on anecdotal evidence would undermine the review's scientific rigor, and excluding theoretical analyses would disregard essential frameworks that inform the research context. Hence, the classification that acknowledges both qualitative and quantitative data accurately represents the multifaceted nature of literature reviews in research.