What does a "scoping review" primarily aim to achieve in research?

A scoping review primarily aims to map existing literature and identify gaps within a particular area of research. This type of review is often utilized when a topic is still evolving and not well-defined, allowing researchers to gain an overview of the available evidence, the key themes, and how the research landscape is situated.

The focus of a scoping review is broader than that of systematic reviews. While systematic reviews seek to confirm findings of prior studies through rigorous methods aimed at synthesizing data and making conclusions based on quality evidence, a scoping review dimensions beyond such confines. It does not fixate strictly on quantitative data or the summary of findings, but rather it aims to explore the extent, range, and nature of research activity in a given area.

In addition, while developing a comprehensive theory on a topic may be a function of more advanced stages of research, a scoping review does not aim to create theoretical frameworks; its purpose is more descriptive and exploratory. Therefore, option C aligns perfectly with the primary goals of conducting a scoping review.