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Evidence Synthesis Review Types

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What is an integrative review?

Like a scoping review, an integrative review synthesizes the current evidence on a question to identify gaps in the literature and future research needs. However, the integrative review should include a critical appraisal of the evidence and may also incorporate theory as well as empirical studies.1

Why would you do an integrative review?

  • The topic requires both empirical and non-empirical literature
  • You want to use a theoretical framework to guide your review
  • You want to critically appraise the quality of all included works

Guidance for integrative reviews

There are currently no formal guidelines for the conduct of an integrative review but there is some generalized agreement between scholars about the appropriate steps to take to produce a rigorous integrative review. 

References

  1. Toronto, C. (2020). Overview of the integrative review. In C. Toronto & R. Remington (Eds.), A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review. Springer Nature.