Integrative Review Capstone Toolkit

The purpose of the data analysis & synthesis phase is to

•  extract data into matrices (tables)
• analyze data for similarities and differences (patterns) in relation to the stated review purpose or questions.
• synthesize patterns 

 The purpose of the discussion & conclusions phase is

• interpret review findings
• connect, compare, and contrast review findings to the larger scholarly conversation on this topic
• develop recommendations and identify implications for research, practice, education, theory and policy
• identify the methodological limitations of the review

Guidance

For published guidance about this phase, also see:

• Toronto & Remington, Chapters 5-6
  • Dwyer, P. A. (2020). Analysis and synthesis. In C. E. Toronto & R. Remington (Eds.), A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review (pp. 57–70). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37504-1_5 
  • Toronto, C. E., & Remington, R. (2020). Discussion and conclusion. In C. E. Toronto & R. Remington (Eds.), A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Integrative Review (pp. 71–84). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37504-1_6 
• Whittemore & Knafl, "Data analysis stage" (p. 550-552)
  • Whittemore, R., & Knafl, K. (2005). The integrative review: updated methodology. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52(5), 546-553.

Foundational Skills & Knowledge Required

• How to read and abstract key information from studies
• Basic understanding of qualitative data analysis methods and synthesis methods

Planning Questions to Consider

• What information is important to capture from each included paper in order to address the review purpose/question?
• What method(s) will you use to compare data across studies?
  • Usually qualitative data analysis methods are used to analyze data IRs; common methods include constant comparison, content analysis, or thematic analysis
• How will you synthesize the data you extract from included papers?
   

Core Activities

As you move through this phase, you will:

• identify template for data extraction forms/evidence matrices (tables)
• design and pilot your own data extraction form or table according to your review question
• apply data extraction form / table to each included study (“data abstracting”)
• use tables to cluster, compare, and contrast data sources
• identify key themes and patterns in extracted data

Goals & Outcomes

When this phase is complete, you should have:

• a data matrix/review matrix
• descriptions of patterns, themes, and relationships between data
  • narrative descriptions and/or tabular presentation of data
  • documentation describing your thought processes and analytical decisions
  • an integrated conclusion about the review question

• Review matrix (either in body of paper, or as appendix)
• Data analysis and synthesis methods
• Main findings
• Linkages to what is already known on this topic
• Identification of any gaps in the literature base
• Limitations of the review