Systematic Reviews - Social Sciences : Evidence synthesis support at Cline Library

A methodical and comprehensive literature synthesis focused on a well-formulated research question.

• Aims to identify and synthesize all of the scholarly research on a particular topic, including both published and unpublished studies.

• Conducted in an unbiased, reproducible way (transparent) to provide evidence for practice and policy-making and to identify gaps in research.

• May involve a meta-analysis.

A statistical technique for combining the findings of quantitative studies to provide a more precise effect of the results.  

• Uses statistical methods to objectively evaluate, synthesize, and summarize results.

• May be conducted independently or as part of a systematic review.

Preliminary assessment of potential size and scope of available research literature. 

• Seeks to identify research gaps and opportunities for evidence synthesis.
• May critically evaluate existing evidence, but does not attempt to synthesize the results in the way a systematic review would.
• May take longer than a systematic review.

Applies systematic review methodology within a time-constrained setting. 

• Employs methodological “shortcuts” (limiting search terms for example) at the risk of introducing bias.
• Useful for addressing issues needing quick decisions.
• Assessment of what is already known. 

Reviews other systematic reviews on a topic.

• Often defines a broader question than is typical of a traditional systematic review.

• Most useful when there are competing interventions to consider.

What to expect: 

• In addition to the consultation services: 
• Assist in the planning phase including protocol development. 
• Discuss and determine sources to search, including grey literature.
  • Pre-searching databases.
• Assistance with identifying key terms. 
  • This may involve follow-up work from the librarian
• Develop and test search strategies. 
• Assist with additional resources, such as setting up a shared citation manager account. 

Librarian acknowledged in publication.

What to expect: 

• Multiple sessions, as needed, throughout the project. 
• Assist in research question development and review type. 
• Assist in the development and registration of review protocol. 
• Design, test, and conduct searches. 
• Coordinate citation management, search documentation, and document retrieval. 
  • Data extraction from all resources
• Manage search results and documentation.
• Write methodology for manuscripts, including flow diagrams when needed. 

Librarians are co-authors on publications.

This service is available for NAU graduate students who are unfamiliar with evidence synthesis review processes.  The librarian will provide guidance during the review process.