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

• In Event: Informing Educational Policy and Practice Using Research Synthesis

Abstract

An evidence gap map 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 of studies - using various eligibility criteria or study characteristics - that delineate key characteristics along its vertical and horizontal axes. The absence of studies within cells based on particular characteristics - evidence gaps - are as useful to decision makers as are the cells that include studies. EGMs represent a technique not widely used in education research. The purpose of this research is to articulate the general principles of an EGM and to illustrate those practices from an ongoing systematic review and meta-analysis on college aid programming.

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

• Fran Harmon, Development Services Group, Inc.