Systematic Reviews in the Social Sciences: A Practical Guide

"The book is noteworthy in terms of its comprehensive coverage of issues and inclusive perspective with respect to study inclusion, study quality assessment and findings synthesis. The guide’s ecumenical’ perspective is certainly a strength inasmuch as different readers will find inspiration and interesting suggestions on how to conduct different types of SR." (Political Studies Review, May 2009)

"Anyone who wants to learn, or understand, about systematic reviewing should beg, borrow, steal or buy a copy ofSystematic Reviews in the Social Sciences. It's a real gold-mine of information presented clearly and with great humour".
–Sir Michael Rawlins, Chairman, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), UK

"This book is a veritable compendium – it richly combines history and cutting edge debates in social policy, care and public health with practical recommendations for high quality syntheses of relevant research. I strongly recommend this to those in public health and social care interested in understanding what works for whom and why."
–Elizabeth Waters, Deakin University, Australia

"The importance and value of systematic reviews for the social sciences, policy making and professional practice is only now being fully appreciated. This book by Petticrew and Roberts is a comprehensive, thorough and very readable practical guide. It is a must for all social scientists who want to know how to harness existing social science evidence and identify what we know and what we don't."
–Philip Davies, Government Social Research Unit, Cabinet Office, UK

"Finding out what we really know is the fundamental challenge in all attempts to improve life on planet earth. This book provides an excellently readable introduction to the principles and practice of systematic reviews - the major tool of a policy-relevant social science. The authors have done a magnificent job in making a convincing case for systematic reviews, in dispelling distracting myths about such reviews as purely technical procedures limited to 'what works?' questions, and most of all in providing the social science research and policy community with the invaluable resource of a practical how-to-do it guide."
–Professor Ann Oakley, Professor of Sociology & Social Policy and Founding Director of Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London

"Engaging and relevant, this book is both an explanation of and a practical guide to constructing and doing systematic reviews... [it] has given me a route into understanding this area of research and a basis to improve critical appraisal of others' work."
–Connie Smith, Senior Research Specialist, The Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Social Research Association News, August 2006

"Petticrew and Roberts – while providing a rigorous and impeccably academic treatment of their subject – include numerous lighter moments which help maintain the reader’s interest...The authors are to be commended for tackling an important topic in an informative yet enjoyable manner – this book is highly recommended."
–Jeremy J. Walker, Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness, June 2007