What is often the focus of the synthesis in a systematic review?

The focus of the synthesis in a systematic review is on the aggregate results from multiple research studies. This approach allows researchers to compile and analyze findings from various studies that address a common research question or topic. By combining data from different sources, systematic reviews aim to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the evidence, highlight consistent patterns or discrepancies, and draw more reliable conclusions.

Using aggregate results helps mitigate the limitations of individual studies, such as small sample sizes or varied methodologies. This synthesis is critical for informing clinical practices, policy decisions, and further research directions by offering a clearer picture of the overall body of evidence on a particular issue.

In contrast, participant demographics and qualitative responses from individual researchers do not contribute to the synthesis goal of producing an overarching analysis of multiple studies, nor does focusing on a single research study's findings provide the broader context necessary for comprehensive conclusions.