CRS Literature Review & Synthesis 2

Question 1

Which synthesis approach involves grouping studies by their methodological design rather than by findings?

Accepted Answer

Methodological synthesis

Answer

Methodological synthesis organizes and evaluates studies based on their research designs, enabling comparison of how methods influence outcomes.

Question 2

In a systematic literature review, what is the purpose of a PRISMA flow diagram?

Accepted Answer

To document the screening and inclusion/exclusion process

Answer

PRISMA flow diagrams transparently document how records were identified, screened, and included or excluded at each stage of the review.

Question 3

A researcher finds two studies with contradictory findings on the same topic. The best next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Examine moderating variables or methodological differences

Answer

Contradictory findings often result from differences in sample characteristics, measures, or contexts, which moderating variables can help explain.

Question 4

Which term describes the process of extracting specific data points from primary studies into a standardized template?

Accepted Answer

Data abstraction

Answer

Data abstraction (or extraction) involves systematically pulling predefined information from each study into a structured form for analysis.

Question 5

What is 'citation chasing' in the context of a literature search?

Accepted Answer

Following references listed in found articles to locate additional sources

Answer

Citation chasing (also called backward searching) involves reviewing reference lists of retrieved articles to find additional relevant sources.

(CRS) Certified Research Specialist Practice Test