And on another topic entirely: here's a set of little extracts from DFID's overview of systematic reviews (http://www.dfid.gov.uk/r4d/PDF/Publications/OverviewofSystematicReviews.pdf). I almost wish I had a post-grad research class so I could set the following with an essay topic - 'Discuss from a realist synthesis perspective'...
"There are many review methods, including meta‐ethnography, narrative synthesis, realist synthesis and qualitative meta‐summary for quantitative data as well as the meta‐analysis approach to statistical data. ... The key element of a systematic review is the process, rather than the specific method used to aggregate and interpret data. ... A systematic review is also more rigorous than a literature review as anyone could follow the review protocol and arrive at similar conclusions. ... ... Systematic reviews produce authoritative assessments of the evidence base that should be relevant to all decision makers."
Comments from a realist perspective welcomed!
Gill
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