Decision points in the integrative research review process: a flow-chart approach.
With the ever increasing volume of research information appearing in the literature, research syntheses are becoming more popular among researchers in various disciplines. This phenomenon demands application of rigorous and systematic review methodologies. Using Cooper's five-stage process for conducting an integrative research review, the authors have constructed a flow chart for health sciences librarians and others using this approach to identify decision points in this process. The accompanying narrative details the information that must be considered and analyzed. Included in the flow chart and text is an elaboration of meta-analysis and an integrative review to accommodate both quantitative and qualitative research results. A case is made for a collaborative relationship between the researcher and the librarian.
Smith
J T
JT
Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294.
Smith
M C
MC
Stullenbarger
E
E
D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003663:Decision Trees; D006801:Humans; D016245:Librarians; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008722:Methods; D012107:Research Design; D014481:United States