Developing a Theoretical Framework
The process begins with the development of a theoretical framework to guide the synthesis. This framework helps to organize the evidence and provides a structure for addressing the
research objectives.
Tabulation of Study Characteristics
Researchers then tabulate the characteristics of the included studies, such as study design, population, interventions, outcomes, and key findings. This step ensures that all relevant information is systematically recorded and accessible for analysis.
Identifying Patterns and Themes
Next, researchers identify patterns and themes within the data. This involves grouping similar studies together and summarizing their findings. The aim is to highlight consistencies and discrepancies across the studies.
Exploring Relationships
Researchers explore relationships within and between studies, considering how different factors might influence the results. This step often involves a detailed narrative explanation of the findings, considering the context of each study.
Assessing Robustness
Finally, researchers assess the robustness of the synthesis by considering the quality and relevance of the included studies. This assessment helps to determine the confidence that can be placed in the findings.
