For an overview of the different types of research syntheses in applied linguistics, read:
A special issue on research syntheses in applied linguistics published in Applied Linguistics Review:
Editorial: Opening the methodological black box of research synthesis in language education: where are we now and where are we heading? (Chong, Bond, & Hamish, 2023)
In our open-access editorial, we define what we mean by "research synthesis" and highlight that there are lesser known types of RS in Applied Linguistics e.g., qualitative research synthesis, qualitative synthesis of research.
A typology of secondary research in Applied Linguistics (Chong & Plonsky, 2023)
The first open-access article in this SI is a typology of secondary research in Applied Linguistics that Luke Plonsky and I developed, providing an overview of secondary research (both systematic & traditional reviews) in AL.
A scientometric analysis of applied linguistics research (1970–2022): methodology and future directions (Zakaria & Aryadoust)
The second article by Zakaria and Aryadoust is a scientometric analysis of over 40,000 applied linguistics studies published in Q1 journals between 1970 and 2022.
A systematic review of meta-analyses in second language research: current practices, issues, and recommendations (Li & Vuogan)
The third article by Li and Vuogan presents a systematic review of 120 meta-analyses in second language research, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the meta-analytic methods used in the field.
Topics, publication patterns, and reporting quality in systematic reviews in language education. Lessons from the international database of education systematic reviews (IDESR) (Chalmers, Brown, & Koryakina)
Chalmers, Brown and Koryakina present an analysis of the 307 language education systematic reviews already included in the recently established IDESR; a much needed repository for the field (open-access).
Bilingual education in China: a qualitative synthesis of research on models and perceptions (Liu & Chong)
The final open-access article by Liu and Chong is a “qualitative synthesis of research”, synthesising 16 studies focused on bilingual education in China.
For a brief discussion on the methodology of meta-synthesis in applied linguistics, read:
For a brief discussion on the methodology of conducting qualitative evidence/research synthesis in applied linguistics, you can refer to:
Examples of research syntheses in language education/applied linguistics:
Examples of qualitative research synthesis in language education/applied linguistics (usually found in the field of computer-assisted language learning):
If you want to look beyond language education/applied linguistics, we suggest the following resources.
For methodology of systematic reviews (in the field of general educational research):
For methodology of systematic reviews (in the field of higher education):
For methodology and types of qualitative evidence synthesis (in the field of healthcare):
Reporting standards (these are outside of applied linguistics, mostly from medical and healthcare research):
- Chong, S. W., & Plonsky, L. (2023). A typology of secondary research in Applied Linguistics. Applied Linguistics Review. https://doi.org/10.1515/applirev-2022-0189
A special issue on research syntheses in applied linguistics published in Applied Linguistics Review:
Editorial: Opening the methodological black box of research synthesis in language education: where are we now and where are we heading? (Chong, Bond, & Hamish, 2023)
In our open-access editorial, we define what we mean by "research synthesis" and highlight that there are lesser known types of RS in Applied Linguistics e.g., qualitative research synthesis, qualitative synthesis of research.
A typology of secondary research in Applied Linguistics (Chong & Plonsky, 2023)
The first open-access article in this SI is a typology of secondary research in Applied Linguistics that Luke Plonsky and I developed, providing an overview of secondary research (both systematic & traditional reviews) in AL.
A scientometric analysis of applied linguistics research (1970–2022): methodology and future directions (Zakaria & Aryadoust)
The second article by Zakaria and Aryadoust is a scientometric analysis of over 40,000 applied linguistics studies published in Q1 journals between 1970 and 2022.
A systematic review of meta-analyses in second language research: current practices, issues, and recommendations (Li & Vuogan)
The third article by Li and Vuogan presents a systematic review of 120 meta-analyses in second language research, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the meta-analytic methods used in the field.
Topics, publication patterns, and reporting quality in systematic reviews in language education. Lessons from the international database of education systematic reviews (IDESR) (Chalmers, Brown, & Koryakina)
Chalmers, Brown and Koryakina present an analysis of the 307 language education systematic reviews already included in the recently established IDESR; a much needed repository for the field (open-access).
Bilingual education in China: a qualitative synthesis of research on models and perceptions (Liu & Chong)
The final open-access article by Liu and Chong is a “qualitative synthesis of research”, synthesising 16 studies focused on bilingual education in China.
For a brief discussion on the methodology of meta-synthesis in applied linguistics, read:
- In’nami, Y., Koizumi, R., & Tomita, Y. (2020). Meta-analysis in applied linguistics. In J. McKinley & H. Rose (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (pp. 240-252). London: Routledge.
For a brief discussion on the methodology of conducting qualitative evidence/research synthesis in applied linguistics, you can refer to:
- Chong, S. W., & Plonsky, L. (2021). A primer on qualitative research synthesis in TESOL. TESOL Quarterly, 55(3), 1024-1034. (open-access)
- Chong, S. S., & Reinders, H. (2021). A methodological review of qualitative research syntheses in CALL: The state-of-the-art. System, 103(December 2021), 102646.
Examples of research syntheses in language education/applied linguistics:
- There are so many out there. Refer to Luke Plonsky’s bibliography:https://lukeplonsky.wordpress.com/bibliographies/meta-analysis/
Examples of qualitative research synthesis in language education/applied linguistics (usually found in the field of computer-assisted language learning):
- Chen, T. (2016). Technology-supported peer feedback in S/FL writing classes: A research synthesis. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 29(2), 365–397.
- Çiftçi, E. Y., & Savaş, P. (2018). The role of telecollaboration in language and intercultural learning: A synthesis of studies published between 2010 and 2015. ReCALL, 30(3), 278-298.
- Chong, S. W., & Reinders, H. (2020). Technology-mediated task-based language teaching: A qualitative research synthesis. Language Learning & Technology, 24(3), 70-86. (open-access)
If you want to look beyond language education/applied linguistics, we suggest the following resources.
For methodology of systematic reviews (in the field of general educational research):
- Zawacki-Richter, O., Kerres, M., Bedenlier, S., Bond, M., & Buntins, K. (2020). Systematic reviews in educational research: Methodology, perspectives and application. Springer. (open-access)
- UCL’s systematic review page: https://libguides.ioe.ac.uk/systematicreviews/
For methodology of systematic reviews (in the field of higher education):
- Bearman, M., Smith, C. D., Carbone, A., Slade, S., Baik, C., Hughes-Warrington, M., & Neumann, D. L. (2012). Systematic review methodology in higher education. Higher Education Research & Development, 31(5), 625–640.
- Chong, S. W., Lin ,T. J., & Chen, Y. (2022). A methodological review of systematic literature reviews in higher education: Heterogeneity and homogeneity. Educational Research Review, 35(2022), 100426.
For methodology and types of qualitative evidence synthesis (in the field of healthcare):
- Booth, A., Noyes, J., Flemming, K., Gerhaidus, A., Wahlster, P., van der Wilt, G., Mozygemba, K., Refolo, P., Sacchini, D., Tummers, M., & Rehfuess, E. (2016). Guidance on choosing qualitative evidence synthesis methods for use in health technology assessments of complex interventions. Retrieved from http://www.integrate-hta.eu/downloads/
- Dixon-Woods, M., Booth A., & Sutton, A. J. (2007). Synthesizing qualitative research: A review of published reports. Qualitative Research, 7(3), 375-422.
Reporting standards (these are outside of applied linguistics, mostly from medical and healthcare research):
- Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR)
- Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ)
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York
- Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPICC)
- The QUOROM statement checklist
- Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE)
- Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) – this is used in some research syntheses in applied linguistics
- Best Evidence Medical Education (BEME) Guide
- Cochrane systematic review protocol
- Structured Approach to the Reporting in Healthcare Education of Evidence Synthesis (STORIES)