The Science and Practice of Research Synthesis

Catalog description

The course combines short lectures, seminar discussions, and applied workshops. Weekly three-hour sessions include conceptual overviews, case analyses, and hands-on exercises. Lectures introduce key concepts and frameworks in research synthesis, while discussions and workshops promote critical reflection and methodological application. Structured exercises guide students through each stage of the systematic review process—from framing questions and designing searches to appraising evidence and synthesizing findings. Progressive assignments and peer feedback culminate in a publication-ready systematic review protocol registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). The course emphasizes scholarly exchange and peer collaboration, reflecting the collective and iterative nature of the research synthesis process.