What is Research Synthesis?
Research synthesis is the process of integrating results from multiple studies on a specific topic to draw broader conclusions and identify patterns across existing research. It helps scholars summarise what is already known and what remains uncertain.
Purpose of Research Synthesis
- To summarise existing findings across multiple studies.
- To identify common trends and contradictions in the literature.
- To guide future research directions and policy decisions.
Types of Synthesis
- Narrative Synthesis: Combines qualitative insights.
- Quantitative Synthesis: Uses data aggregation (e.g., meta-analysis).
- Mixed-Methods Synthesis: Integrates both qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Best Practices
- Include a clear search strategy for study selection.
- Evaluate study quality and relevance.
- Report findings transparently with consistent terminology.