Engaging in literature review, synthesis, and meta‐analysis: A few considerations for family scholars

Abstract

Given their value, literature reviews and syntheses are featured in numerous family‐centered academic journals, including the flagship journals of the National Council on Family Relations. Although literature reviews and syntheses, including meta‐analyses, have been published in family‐centered academic journals for decades, the application of these methods to topics germane to family science has increased substantially over time. This trend—coupled with a desire to support the conduct of high‐quality literature reviews and syntheses in family science—prompted the development of this article, which aims to provide an efficient, didactic overview of common literature review and synthesis approaches, including meta‐analysis. This article also offers several considerations intended to support family scholars' efforts to develop strong literature reviews, syntheses, and meta‐analyses, particularly ones intended for publication in family‐centered academic journals. The skillful application of these methods will support family scholars' continued efforts to enrich, guide, and advance family science.