PRISMA methodology: scientific validity and credibility in systematic reviews

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the need for and importance of the PRISMA methodology in the development of systematic reviews in the educational and social fields. The growing volume of scientific output creates a recurring challenge: researchers must process large volumes of information, which complicates the identification of relevant studies and increases the risk of selection bias. This problem is intensified in environments characterized by methodological diversity and heterogeneous approaches, where rigorous organization of the literature is essential. In this context, PRISMA is presented as a possible solution, offering a methodological framework that ensures transparency, rigor, and reproducibility at each stage of the process. Its application allows for the explicit justification of inclusion and exclusion criteria, reduces arbitrariness, and strengthens the credibility of the findings. It also facilitates the systematization of dispersed information, contributing to the clear organization and communication of the review process. The relevance of PRISMA transcends editorial requirements, as it constitutes an ethical commitment to research transparency and the production of reliable knowledge. In educational and social contexts, where academic and policy decisions depend on solid evidence, its implementation ensures relevant and applicable results.