In comparison to traditional literature reviews, synthesis reviews require an extensive time commitment and are a collaborative rather than individual effort. The amount of time and effort will depend on the type of review, and the type of review will depend on your research question.
To help identify whether a synthesis review is a realistic method for your proposed study, reflect on the following statements:
If you are doing a synthesis review...
If you are confident that a synthesis review is feasible and the best method for your study, you may begin the first part of your journey - choosing the type of review.
Different literature reviews serve different purposes and employ distinct methods. When determining what review type will best meet your needs, you will want to take into account:
There may be practical considerations that will constrain your options. You can consider:
The following is a list of common (but not exhaustive) types of synthesis reviews that may suit your research purposes (source: Deakin University LibGuide):
The following is not an exhaustive list of resources. You are encouraged to seek out additional resources based on the needs of your specific project.