The Potential of Evidence Gap Maps in Education Research: A Practical Application and Update From a Systematic Review of College Aid Programs

• In Event: Advancing Methods for Meta-Analysis in Education Research

Abstract

An Evidence Gap Map (EGM) is a tool that visualizes the state of evidence in a particular field. Following the collection of studies from a systematic review, the review authors create a matrix - using various eligibility criteria or study characteristics - that delineate key characteristics along its vertical and horizontal axes. The studies are then inserted into those matrices based on their inherent characteristics. This allows readers to quickly visualize the presence - or absence - of studies based on these characteristics. The absence of studies based on particular characteristics - the evidence gaps - is as useful to decision makers as is the matrices that include studies. This proposal is to illustrate the technique and provide an overview of the concept.

Authors

• Joshua R. Polanin, American Institutes for Research

• Robin R. Lasota, Development Services Group, Inc.

• Laura W. Perna, University of Pennsylvania

• Megan Austin, American Institutes for Research