Evidence Synthesis in the Social Sciences
Dissertations | Theses | Capstones
Guidance:
Researchers are encouraged to conduct a systematized review in postgraduate assignments, theses, or early stages of publication. This approach integrates key aspects of systematic review methodology without fully adhering to its rigorous standards, making it a more accessible option for individual researchers. Often completed by one or two people, systematized reviews are a practical way to synthesize existing research within the constraints of time and resources.
What is a Systematized Review?
Systematized reviews attempt to incorporate elements of a systematic review process, but fall short of a full systematic review. They are typically conducted as a postgraduate assignment, a thesis, or for publication, and are usually undertaken by one or two people. Characteristics of systematized reviews include:
- Purpose: Usually conducted as a student assignment.
- Search: May or may not include comprehensive searching.
- Appraisal: May or may not include quality assessment.
- Format: Typically presented in a narrative format, often accompanied by tables.
- Analysis: This includes an overview of what is known, identifies uncertainties surrounding the findings, and discusses the limitations of the methodology.
Source: Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91–108. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x
Alternative Approaches: Options for Limited Teams or Resources
What if I don't have a team or the time, but I still want to conduct a systematic review?
Projects that do not have research teams or do not have resources to follow the full methodological guidelines are best described as:
- Structured Literature Review
- Systematized (Scoping/Integrative) Review
- Comprehensive Review
- Systematized Search and Review
- Pilot Systematic/Scoping/Integrative Review
These title adjustments acknowledge that the authors recognize the proper methods, goals, and guidelines for conducting systematic reviews and other types of evidence synthesis projects. These methods were used wherever possible, but the resources were unavailable to meet the full methodological guidelines.
Source: Adapted with gratitude from the Colorado State University Library Reviews for Dissertations / Theses / Capstones