Data extraction involves systematically collecting relevant data from included studies, such as key findings, study characteristics and methodological details.
Once extracted, the data are synthesised using appropriate methods to draw meaningful conclusions.
Data synthesis is a crucial stage in any evidence synthesis as it combines the data from all included studies to answer the review question.
The synthesis stage of a literature review involves combining the extracted data to find new meaning. Different synthesis techniques are used depending on the type of data.
Types of syntheses include:
For further information and instructions on the screening stage of a literature review please explore our Module 6: Screening, Synthesis and Dissemination.
If you are interesting in further information on this stage of a review, check out the following resources: