Introducing Critical Interpretive Synthesis: a systematic, inclusive and generative approach to reviewing the literature

This session introduces critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) as a systematic approach to collating, reviewing and synthesising a diverse body of research evidence. CIS aims to produce fresh insights on an issue of concern, drawing on techniques that are common in qualitative inquiry, such as the ongoing refinement of research questions and an iterative process of data collection and analysis. I will share my own experiences of using CIS in solo and collaborative projects in the field of education (Mitchell, 2025). In this interactive session we will consider CIS in relation to other approaches to systematic review, comparing their logics and processes. We will consider the affordances and challenges of using CIS in a doctoral research project, and strategies for incorporating CIS within your own work.

This session is hosted by Dr Rafael Mitchell, Senior Lecturer in Comparative and International Education, and co-director of the Centre for Comparative and International Research in Education (CIRE) at the University of Bristol.

Reference: Mitchell, R. (2025). Using critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) for theoretical development: Mobilising African education research. In Sage Research Methods Cases Part 1. SAGE Publications, Ltd., https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071984185

Registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/swdtp/1651269