Final answer:
An integrative review is a summarized synthesis of existing literature, not presenting new findings but offering a comprehensive perspective on a topic. It relies on peer-reviewed articles for accuracy and credibility, using citations to ethically integrate information into academic writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
An integrative review is a form of research that synthesizes, critiques, and integrates existing literature on a particular topic. Unlike primary literature, which presents original scientific findings, the integrative review draws upon published research to summarize and comment on key themes and findings. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter by weaving together results from varied studies.
Review articles, such as an integrative review, do not follow the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) format because they summarize and synthesize findings rather than reporting new research outcomes. They often feature extensive reference sections, allowing others to trace the evidence and arguments presented back to the original sources. Critics and researchers advocate for the use of peer-reviewed journal articles as they undergo rigorous evaluation by experts in the field, ensuring quality and reliability.
To integrate research effectively within academic papers, one must incorporate published findings coherently and ethically, often guided by citation conventions. Proper use of citations acknowledges the intellectual property of the original authors and helps readers to locate the sources for further inquiry. When evaluating potential sources for an integrative review, it is crucial to consider the credibility of the author, potential biases, and the nature of the source, favoring peer-reviewed research over non-reviewed materials, such as Wikipedia entries and other less rigorous publications.