Library Guides
Library Guides
Rapid reviews often only include a narrative summary.
A meta-analysis is usually not included even if comparable statistical data exists for studies included in the review.
For more information about how different stages of a rapid review are conducted please see the following paper;
Synthesis /'sInθəsiz/ /'sinthuhseez/
The combination of parts or elements, as material substances or objects of thought, into a complex whole
The Macquarie Dictionary (6th ed.).
Synthesis is a stage in the systematic review process where extracted data are pooled together and evaluated.
It is one of the most important stages of the systematic review process, as it determines the outcomes of the review.
There are two commonly accepted methods of synthesis in systematic reviews:
This division is not absolute, and even when conducting a quantitative systematic review, aspects of qualitative data synthesis are relevant in explaining why studies have been excluded or differ from the findings of the meta-analysis.
Adapted from the Monash University Systematic Review libguide.
In a quantitative systematic review, which explores similar studies, data will be processed through a meta-analysis. During meta-analysis, data from different studies are weighted depending on their sample size and relevant criteria, and evaluated to determine the cumulative outcome. The results of a meta-analysis are most frequently represented in a Forest plot. (See side box).
Adapted from the Monash University Systematic Review libguide.
In a qualitative systematic review, data will be synthesised by comprehensive critical appraisal through either a meta-study or a meta-synthesis.
|
|
Neither of these methods involves the reanalysis of raw data from the primary qualitative studies.
Both meta-studies and meta-syntheses can be used to determine what is known and what is not known, reflect on the processes and perspectives of the relevant body of research, explore the underlying methodological decisions and theoretical influences, and suggest future directions for researchers, theoreticians and clinicians.
Adapted from the Monash University Systematic Review libguide.
For a meta analysis, producing a forest plot may be necessary.
We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands where our staff and students, live, learn and work.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) 4.0 International License, unless otherwise noted. Content from this Guide should be attributed to James Cook University Library. This does not apply to images, third party material (seek permission from the original owner) or any logos or insignia belonging to JCU or other bodies, which remain All Rights Reserved.