The inconvenient truth about research syntheses in Applied Linguistics

Abstract

In this chapter, I explain why this edited book on research syntheses in Applied Linguistics is needed and how this book contributes to the field by offering a “behind-the-scenes” perspective towards the ethical and methodological considerations before and while doing a research synthesis. Unconventionally, I begin this book, which promotes research syntheses, with a cautious tone and strong caveats about what research syntheses are and can do. I first present misconceptions about research syntheses and highlight the usefulness and limitations of synthetic research, focusing more on the latter. Then, I reflect on the impetus for putting together this book in view of the latest developments of research syntheses in Applied Linguistics. This is followed by an outline of book sections and chapters.