Evidence or Knowledge Synthesis

Still not sure what type of synthesis you can do or assign?

• Classic article: A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies
• More comprehensive list: Meeting the review family: exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements
• Consult with a librarian

Outline Description

Title: "What Type of Evidence or Knowledge Synthesis Can I Do? A Decision Flowchart"

Top of chart begins Q: "Does everyone involved have more than a year to work on the project?"

1. If "Yes" to more than a year, then Q: "Will a team of 3 or more people work on this project?"
   1. If "Yes" to team, then Q: "Do you have a narrow, focused research topic?"
      1. If "Yes" to focused, then "Systematic Review (with optional Meta-Analysis)"
      2. If "No" to focused, then Q: "Will you examine syntheses only?"
         1. If "Yes" to syntheses only, then "Umbrella Synthesis, Umbrella Review, Synthesis of Syntheses"
         2. If "No" to syntheses only, then "Mapping or Scoping Synthesis (nomenclature varies)"
   2. If "No" to team, then move to if-then statement 2
2. If "No" to more than a year, or "No" to team, then Q: "Do you have a narrow, focused research topic?"
   1. If "Yes" to focused, then Q: "Do you want to statistically analyze results from multiple publications?"
      1. If "Yes" to statistical analysis, then "Meta-Analysis"
      2. If "No" to statistical analysis, then "Rapid Synthesis (various types)"
   2. If "No" to focused then "Narrative (Traditional) Literature Review"

Credit: This flowchart is a derivative of "What Type of Review Is Right for You?" by Cornell University Library, used under CC BY