Research Synthesis Methods: A Guide for Conducting Rigorous and Relevant Reviews

Abstract

Research synthesis plays a vital role in advancing knowledge, informing policy and practice, and shaping future research in social work. However, the proliferation of poorly designed and methodologically weak reviews threatens to dilute the evidence base, undermine decision-making, and slow progress. This paper calls for stronger adherence to high standards in research synthesis, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, well-executed reviews that add value and address important questions. It examines four key synthesis methods—systematic reviews, overviews of reviews, scoping reviews, and evidence and gap maps—clarifying their appropriate applications and highlighting methodological standards. In addition to providing guidance to help authors conduct higher quality reviews, it calls on journal editors and peer reviewers to uphold higher publication standards. Research synthesis can serve as a reliable foundation for evidence-informed practice and decision-making, but only if the syntheses are of high quality and address important questions.