Evidence Synthesis

After data extraction, the next step in the evidence synthesis process is to bring together the findings from the studies you've included. This synthesis is where you organize and interpret the results in a way that answers your research question and highlights patterns, relationships, and gaps. The type of synthesis you perform depends largely on the research designs and similarity (homogeneity) of the studies you included:

• Meta-Analysis
  If the included studies are sufficiently similar in design and outcome measures, you may use a meta-analysis. This is a statistical approach that combines the results of multiple studies to produce a single estimate of effect.

• Narrative or Descriptive Synthesis
  When studies are not similar, a statistical synthesis isn’t appropriate. In these cases, a narrative synthesis is used. This approach summarizes the findings in a textual format, allowing you to group studies by themes, compare outcomes, and describe trends or variations.

Meta-Analysis Resources: 

What is Meta-Analysis

This offers a high-level explanation of this type of research. Your K-State eID is required.

Video: meta-analysis (6 min)

Meta-Analysis vs Systematic Review

Better understand when meta-analyses and systematic reviews are appropriate choices. Your K-State eID is required.

Video: differences (4 min)

The final step is to summarize and share your research, assuring that your work is discoverable and accessible to other researchers. As a part of the process, define your target audience and choose your summary format (protocol, report, presentation, peer-review publication). Make sure you follow your chosen standards or publishing guidelines before it is submitted.