The dominant literature on research synthesis methods has positivist and neopositivist origins. In recent years, the landscape of research synthesis methods has changed rapidly to become inclusive. This article highlights methodologically inclusive advancements in research synthesis methods. Attention is drawn to insights from interpretive, critical, and participatory traditions for enhancing trustworthiness, utility, and/or emancipatory potential for research syntheses. Also noted is a paucity of the literature that builds connections between methodologically diverse segments of the literature on research synthesis methods. Salient features of a methodologically inclusive research synthesis (MIRS) framework are described. The MIRS framework has been conceptualized by distilling and synthesizing ideas, theories, and strategies from the extensive literatures on research synthesis methods and primary research methods. Rather than prescribe how a research synthesis should be conducted or evaluated, this article attempts to open spaces, raise questions, explore possibilities, and contest taken-for-granted practices.Keywords: qualitative research, research methodology, research utilization, research synthesis.Research syntheses play an important role in disseminating research knowledge and in shaping further research, policy, practice, and public perception. Commendable efforts have been made to enhance rigor in research syntheses. However, the literature on research synthesis methods from interpretive, participatory, and critical perspectives is relatively sparse and often not discussed within the dominant literature on meta-analysis. Furthermore, there is a paucity of literature that builds connections between these different parts of the literature on research synthesis methods.In this article, we highlight advancements in research synthesis from a methodologically inclusive perspective. We emphasize expanding possibilities within research syntheses, rather than report the relative popularity of contemporary research synthesis methods. Then, we describe the salient features of a MIRS at UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN LIBRARY on March 15, 2015 http://rer.aera.net Downloaded from at UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN LIBRARY on March 15, 2015 http://rer.aera.net Downloaded from at UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN LIBRARY on March 15, 2015 http://rer.aera.net Downloaded from Glass (1976) coined the term meta-analysis to refer to the process of statistical integration of primary research findings. 1 To reduce unstated subjectivity in a synthesis, meta-analysts: formulate clear hypotheses with operational and conceptual definitions of key constructs; state explicit criteria for the inclusion and exclusion of primary research; conduct explicit and comprehensive searches for relevant studies; follow explicit procedures for extracting relevant information from each study; convert summaries of individual studies to appropriate effect sizes; attach appropriate weights to individual effect sizes, according to their sample sizes; statistically ...