Conducting systematic reviews in psychology: issues, challenges, and opportunities

Mohd Mahudin, Nor Diana and Cox, Tom and Griffiths, Amanda (2009) Conducting systematic reviews in psychology: issues, challenges, and opportunities. In: Southeast Asia Psychology Conference (SEAP) 2009, 9 - 11 July 2009, University Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia.

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Abstract

This paper discusses the issues and challenges associated with conducting systematic reviews using the existing guidelines (e.g. the Cochrane and Campbell systematic reviews). While these guidelines are appropriate for reviews involving predefined study criteria with fixed procedures and techniques or concerning assessment of effect sizes in established interventions; a more flexible approach is recommended when conducting reviews that deal with evidence from non-randomized, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies. Based from cumulative experience gained from conducting systematic reviews of two ongoing projects, the authors identified seven broad challenges. These challenges were found mostly in 1) defining the research scope and formulating the research question(s); 2) determining the search strategy and adhering to the disciplinary syntax; 3) accessing relevant literature; 4) filtering, appraising, and prioritizing the evidence from different study designs- particularly those related to primary qualitative and mixed-methods studies; 5) combining meta-analysis and narrative synthesis in evidence synthesis; 6) managing time and resources constraints; and 7) enhancing the transparency of decision making process. This paper maintains that while the essence and principles of the existing systematic reviews guidelines should be adhered to, researchers need to adapt them in a more complex nature when dealing with evidence from non-experimental studies or qualitative research. It is suggested that such systematic review process may, among other things, entail development of search protocol using stepwise refinement, integration of both narrative synthesis and meta-analysis for synthesizing the evidence, employment of multi-disciplinary team, and approach to ensure transparency and rigour.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Full Paper)
Additional Information:	3951/2124 (ISBN 9789832641407)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Systematic review, psychology, evidence-based review
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Psychology
Depositing User:	Nor Diana Mohd Mahudin
Date Deposited:	12 Sep 2011 12:38
Last Modified:	12 Sep 2011 12:38
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/2124

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