Responding to the challenges of evidence synthesis

Abstract

While healthcare has developed a rich ecosystem of systematic review types and standardised practice, evidence synthesis in Applied Linguistics remains comparatively nascent. Drawing on the robust methodological standards established in healthcare, the chapter considers how researchers in Applied Linguistics might benefit from adopting and adapting tools and frameworks for quality appraisal and managing heterogeneity. At the same time, it cautions against the uncritical transfer of methods, recognising that the nature of research questions, data types, and evidence use in Applied Linguistics can differ substantially. By offering practical insights and suggestions from good practice, the chapter seeks to equip Applied Linguistics researchers with foundational knowledge to enhance the rigour, transparency, and utility of their evidence syntheses, while fostering critical awareness of field-specific challenges.