Step by step: Read the guidance, open the linked tools if needed, then record your verified decisions below. Your work is saved in this browser; export the portfolio to keep a backup.
ESTIMATED HANDS-ON TIME25–35 min
You are ready to continue when
You can name the synthesis method, cite a methodological source for it, and explain why it fits your evidence.
Tools, templates and prompts for this stepLearn the software on its own guide. Return here to record verified outputs.
Key guidance
| Approach | Use when | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative synthesis | Heterogeneous designs, contexts and outcomes | Structured description of patterns, consistencies and differences supported by tables (Popay et al., 2006). |
| Thematic synthesis | Qualitative or mixed findings; RQs about experiences, factors, challenges | Line-by-line coding → descriptive themes → analytical themes (Thomas & Harden, 2008). |
| Framework synthesis | A recognised model or taxonomy already exists | Map evidence onto an a-priori framework, then refine it (e.g. best-fit framework synthesis). |
| Synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) | Quantitative outcomes that cannot be pooled | Group studies, standardise metrics and report direction of effect transparently (Campbell et al., 2020). |
| Meta-analysis | Comparable designs, populations and outcome measures with effect sizes | Statistical pooling; requires heterogeneity assessment and is beyond most computing SLRs. |
| Bibliometric / mapping | RQs about publication trends, venues, collaboration, topic clusters | Descriptive counts and science-mapping (co-word, co-citation) to complement, not replace, synthesis. |
- Most SLRs in computing combine a descriptive mapping (who, when, where, how) with a narrative or thematic synthesis for the substantive RQs.
- Decide the unit of grouping before you write: by RQ, by technique, by application domain, by outcome or by theme.
- State how study quality is used in the synthesis — e.g. sensitivity reading, weighting of claims, or reporting findings separately for high-quality studies.
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