Evidence & Policy
A journal of research, debate and practice

A multitude of syntheses: a comparison of five approaches from diverse policy fields

Authors:
Annette Boaz ESRC Centre for Evidence Based Policy and Practice, King’s College, London, UK

Search for other papers by Annette Boaz in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Deborah Ashby Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London

Search for other papers by Deborah Ashby in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
David Denyer Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University, Bedford

Search for other papers by David Denyer in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Matt Egan Medical Research Council Unit, University of Glasgow

Search for other papers by Matt Egan in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Angela Harden EPPI-Centre, University of London

Search for other papers by Angela Harden in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
David R. Jones Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester

Search for other papers by David R. Jones in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Ray Pawson School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds

Search for other papers by Ray Pawson in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
, and
David Tranfield Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University, Bedford

Search for other papers by David Tranfield in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
Restricted access
Get eTOC alerts
Rights and permissions Cite this article

English

This article addresses the synthesis and use of research evidence to inform policy and practice. Reviews of the evidence base in many fields have formed a crucial bridge between research, policy making and practice. Systematic review, in conjunction with meta-analysis, has become an established methodology for locating, selecting, appraising and quantitatively synthesising research evidence according to an explicit and reproducible methodology. However, the ‘standard’ systematic review template associated with the Cochrane Collaboration is often criticised for its perceived inability to cope with variation in study design, nature of evidence and study context. We present five approaches to research synthesis, conducted in different fields, using contrasting methodologies. A number of methodological, practical and strategic implications of conducting research syntheses are explored. The article aims to stimulate debate about what counts as good-quality synthesis, and to demonstrate the growing diversity in its practice. In so doing, the article offers researchers and commissioners a range of approaches to producing reviews of the evidence base.

Annette Boaz ESRC Centre for Evidence Based Policy and Practice, King’s College, London, UK

Search for other papers by Annette Boaz in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Deborah Ashby Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London

Search for other papers by Deborah Ashby in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
David Denyer Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University, Bedford

Search for other papers by David Denyer in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Matt Egan Medical Research Council Unit, University of Glasgow

Search for other papers by Matt Egan in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Angela Harden EPPI-Centre, University of London

Search for other papers by Angela Harden in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
David R. Jones Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester

Search for other papers by David R. Jones in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
,
Ray Pawson School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds

Search for other papers by Ray Pawson in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close
, and
David Tranfield Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University, Bedford

Search for other papers by David Tranfield in
Current site
Google Scholar
Close

Content Metrics

May 2022 onwards Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 857 536 58
Full Text Views 90 38 3
PDF Downloads 64 35 2

Altmetrics

Dimensions

You are not currently authorised to access the full text of this chapter or article.
Access options
To access the full chapter or article then please choose one of the options below.
Purchase
Pay to access content (PDF download and unlimited online access)
Other access options
Redeem Token
Institutional Login
Log in via Open Athens or Shibboleth. Please contact your librarian if you need any help.
Login with Institutional Access
Personal Login
Login to your BUP account with your individual credentials.
Login with BUP account

Institutional librarians can find more information about free trials here