ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we survey the landscape and history of research syntheses in literacy studies. As discussed in our introductory chapter, a broad array of terminology is associated with various types of research syntheses. In this chapter, we sift through these terms and approaches to explore the theoretical and empirical commitments involved. We then propose working definitions for various terms as we enter this conversation. After revisiting the contribution of research syntheses, we present a brief history of research syntheses in literacy studies including the Summaries of Investigations Relating to Reading and peer-reviewed research syntheses related to literacy. We review the types of literature reviews that have been published in literacy studies and present a general process for conducting research syntheses. We specifically introduce issues related to the availability of databases and search biases.
