ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we return to some of the issues that were addressed in Chapter 1 and take stock of emerging practices related to research syntheses, including the contribution of technology. We revisit the process for conducting research syntheses, weaving together several ideas raised across the book and revealing some of our lingering questions. We take a peek beyond literacy scholarship to explore additional types of syntheses (e.g., historical reviews, methodological syntheses, and international reviews). We then explore the contribution of technology to research synthesizing and present an example of bibliometrics as a tool for research synthesis. Finally, we provide examples of how research syntheses related to literacy have been used for political purposes.
