Research Synthesis: Challenges & Opportunities of an Evolving Methodology

The assumptions, expectations, and potential for conducting a research synthesis  (or any type of literature review) have evolved significantly in recent decades. With advancements in sophisticated and accessible analytical software, combined with the use of systematic protocols, reviews are increasingly generating results that can advance knowledge and practice. But, while reviews, synthesis or meta-analysis have the capacity to inform practice in unique ways, they are also fraught with their own methodological, ethical, and practical issues.

Drawing on the Addressing Societal Challenges through STEM project and other experiences, this paper provides definitions and discusses assumptions about reviews and then proposes three qualities or characteristics of a usable and useful synthesis:

1.    Systematic: Protocols for selecting, evaluating, analyzing and synthesizing literature should be systematic and transparent.

2.    Pragmatic: A practical, organized, and flexible management system is necessary to access, document, and keep track of studies that are included as well as those excluded.

3.    Fair: Interpretations and claims based on the work of other researchers should be fair.