Evidence Synthesis in the Social Sciences

Evidence synthesis is "...a type of research method that allows researchers to bring together all relevant information on a research question. This can be useful to identify gaps in knowledge, establish an evidence base for best-practice guidance, or help inform policymakers and practitioners" (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine).

There are many different types of evidence synthesis.

This LibGuide is designed to help social science faculty, staff, and students navigate common types of evidence synthesis. If you have more questions or would like to arrange a consultation for an evidence synthesis project, please contact Julia Maxwell (julia.maxwell@rutgers.edu) or Evidence Synthesis Graduate Specialist Jayati Bist (jayati.bist@rutgers.edu). 

Evidence synthesis methods like systematic reviews and scoping reviews have traditionally been used in the health sciences, but have become more prevalent in the social sciences in recent years. Scholars across the social sciences have continued to develop, test, and standardize best practices to use for these emerging methods. Check out the Collected Resources tab for more information on social science evidence synthesis practices and developments. 

This guide would not have been possible without the guidance, support, and feedback of RBHS librarians Yingting Zhang and Matthew Bridgeman.

This guide has benefitted from the excellent work of many other university libraries, including Monash University, University of South Australia, University of North Carolina, Cornell University, University of British Columbia, University of Melbourne, CQ University, University of Maryland, University of Edinburgh, and Duquesne University Libraries.