Institute of Sociology
of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology
of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Babich N.S. Evidentiary function of systematic reviews of scientific literature: Epistemological foundations and methodological derivatives. Scientific and Technical Libraries. 2021;(11):25-40. (In Russ.) https: ...



Babich N.S. Evidentiary function of systematic reviews of scientific literature: Epistemological foundations and methodological derivatives. Scientific and Technical Libraries. 2021;(11):25-40. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33186/1027-3689-2021-11-25-40
ISSN 1027-3689
DOI 10.33186/1027-3689-2021-11-25-40

Posted on site: 03.01.22

Текст статьи на сайте журнала URL: https://ntb.gpntb.ru/jour/article/view/859/707 (дата обращения 03.01.2022)


Abstract

The author analyzes implicit epistemological assumptions of the modern systematic reviews of scientific literatures that usually are left unconsidered or problematized. The foundations for building the image of scientific communication as representative, clearly cut and easily analyzed reflection of efficient search for and spread of truth which approaching is characterized by increased explorers’ consent. Generalization of this communication brings the evidential effect to advance argument in scientific discussions. However, a series of conditions for adequate conversion and “migration” of published conclusions into the conclusions of systematic review has to be provided to preserve evidential effect in summarizing analysis. The essential components of systematic reviewing methodology comprise: setting the task of obtaining quantified results; selection criteria for unambiguous correspondence between the model of process under scientific investigation and totality of publications; representative observation of relevant publications and making conclusions based on comparative evidential effect of research and consent level achieved. The systematic reviews compliant with the above requirements make them a powerful instrument of evidence in the social sciences, biology and medicine.