A research method is the procedure or technique applied to gather and critique data which is related to a research question (surveys or interviews are some examples of a method). This includes matching the research question to the appropriate type of synthesis (review types), selecting a framework to define inclusion/ exclusion criteria and developing the protocol.
This page will introduce you to different methods to understand the importance of knowing which will be most suited to your synthesis type.
Project Planner Tool /Philosophy of research /
What’s the Difference Between Methodology and Methods? / What’s the Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Methods?
Research Design / Which methods should I use?
Right Review - Knowledge Translation Program.
Which Type of Review is Right For You? (Cornell University Library).
| Synthesis Type | Purpose | Methodologies | Sources |
| Integrative Review /Narrative Review |
Develop question for policy/practice Identify gaps in literature Integrate qualitative/quantitative data |
Whittemore and Knaff’s (2005) 5-stage integrative review method Critical Appraisal Skills Checklist (CASP) for appraisal of studies. Braun and Clark (2022) thematic analysis. Popay et al (2006) Guidance and conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews. |
Databases, Grey literature citation and reference checking. |
| Systematic Review |
Determine state of existing knowledge Used for developing guidelines, policies, best practice Make proposals for future research |
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews (MECIR) Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta - analyses (PRISMA) statement |
Databases, Grey literature citation and reference checking, trial registers |
| Scoping Review |
Identify knowledge gaps Set agendas for research Determine implications for decision making |
Databases, Grey literature citation and reference checking. | |
| Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (QES) |
Review complex research questions Collate qualitative research to enable new understandings of data to emerge |
Meta-ethnography approach - reviewing and synthesizing findings of qualitative research. Critical Appraisal Skills Checklist (CASP) for qualitative studies. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta - analyses (PRISMA) statement. |
Databases, Grey literature citation and reference checking. |
There are many frameworks such as PEO, PICO, SPIDER, which can help to develop your research area and form your research question by:
Note: The research question may not always fit to a framework, what is important is that all the descriptors for concepts and terms have been identified to develop robust search strategies.
Develop a research - question - LibGuides at Duke University Medical Center
Munn, Z., Stern, C., Aromataris, E. et al. What kind of systematic review should I conduct? A proposed typology and guidance for systematic reviewers in the medical and health sciences. BMC Med Res Methodol 18, 5 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-017-0468-4.
The traditional literature review (Systematic Literature Review) is designed to increase knowledge of and provide a broader overview of a topic area and is adopting a more systematic approach (planned and consistent).
A systematic review is a high-level overview of a focused research question using rigorous and reproducible methodologies to systematically search, critically appraise and synthesize the evidence. This review type requires an extensive time frame (12-18 months) and involves a team.
Further reading:
Sutton, A, Clowes M, Preston L, Booth A (2019) 'Meeting the review family: exploring review types and associated information retrieval requirements', Health Information Libraries Journal, 36 (3), pp. 202-222.
Grant, M.J., Booth A (2009) ‘A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies’, Health Information Libraries Journal, 26 (2), pp. 94-95.
A protocol is a road map for your research which will help to define your question and plan your methodology.
Registering a protocol is usually required for most synthesis types.
Always check first before you begin to make sure that similar research hasn't already been done or could be currently in progress. This your piece of research.
Why is a protocol important?
Developing the protocol: PRISMA-P
Registering your protocol:
Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI)