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Systematic Reviews

It is becoming increasingly common that policy interventions to be based on best available evidence. The purpose of a systematic review is to summarise the best available research on a specific question.

This is done by synthesising the results of several studies. Participants will explore the range of existing approaches to, and methods for, research synthesis. The course will provide hands-on application of several commonly applied methods (including the procedures proposed by the Cochrane Collaboration).

The course uses material from a range of policy areas and explores different types of review questions. Participants will be introduced to varous methods for synthesising both a range of study designs and qualitative and quantitative data, although there is an emphasis on synthesising quantitative data (meta-analysis). To help participants consider the role of systematic reviews within evidence-based decision-making, this course also includes a discussion of the opportunities and challenges that systematic reviews pose.


Teaching Format

Course participants and instructors meet approximately twice a week. Each meeting involves lectures, group discussions, or computer-based exercises and Q&A, and thus requires active student participation and preparation (through reading literature and completing tasks). The lectures and seminars cover topics not necessarily addressed in the required readings and should therefore be viewed as a complement to the mandatory literature.

Assessment

All coursework is based on collaborative work. Meeting with the group is therefore mandatory. The course is examined through:

  1. Replicated Systematic Review (in Group)
  2. Peer Review (in Group)
  3. Individual Summary Statement

Examiner

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.


Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Questions about master's studies

For questions about the master’s programmes in Demography and Sociology or our master’s courses, such as admissions, registrations, study breaks and transfer of credits, you are welcome to contact the master's assistant directors.

Anna Borén, Anna Carin Haag

master@sociology.su.se

Study counsellor

For guidance on study techniques, academic planning, grade transfers, certificates, and more.

If you run into problems with your studies, you are welcome to contact the counsellor, who works under a duty of confidentiality.

You can also book a meeting with the counsellor if you need long-term study and career planning.

Maria Lind

studievagledare@sociology.su.se
08163190