Methods of Synthesis and Integration Center (MOSAIC)
MOSAIC is committed to conducting high quality research synthesis, improving research synthesis methods, and promoting the use and uptake of reviews and meta-analyses.
Evidence can inform decision-making for the critical issues that affect our daily lives. The Methods of Synthesis and Integration Center (MOSAIC) is a collection of experts, evidence, and tools to improve research and practice.
MOSAIC experts:
- Conduct high quality evidence synthesis research. Our projects include systematic reviews, meta-analyses, methodological examinations, trainings, and knowledge translation.
- Create products for applied reviewers and meta-analysts. We create interactive web tools to show how to synthesize research findings, to identify gaps in the literature, and to collect evidence synthesis information.
- Improve systematic review and meta-analysis research methods. We conduct methodological reviews, simulation studies, and validity tests of various statistical and review software.
- Promote the use and uptake of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We disseminate research in peer-reviewed journals or academic conferences, translate findings into reader-friendly briefs, teach workshops, and develop instructional videos and guides.
Who Is MOSAIC for?
Our products are designed for all who generate, fund, and consume research.
- Primary researchers can use our applications to build their own meta-analyses from existing data, allowing for the estimation of anticipated effect sizes for a given program, practice, or policy. Such effect sizes can then be used in power analyses to optimize research design.
- Meta-analysts can refer to our briefs and methodological innovations to expand their evidence synthesis knowledge and adopt best practices in their own work.
- Funders and policymakers can generate evidence gap maps to describe the existing evidence on a given topic, allowing for easy identification of program components, populations, and designs that should be prioritized in future research.
Above all, we strive to create tools and resources that advance an integrated understanding of key content areas in the social and behavioral sciences.
The Latest from MOSAIC
MOSAIC at SREE
We are presenting our latest research at the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE) in Chicago, IL from October 8-11, 2025. Come check out our sessions!
- Selective Reporting Bias in Meta-Analyses with Dependent Effect Sizes, Symposium led by Martyna Citkowicz
- Innovative and Iterative Evaluation Studies: Bridging Educational Contexts and Experimental Evidence to Improve Math Learning Experiences, Symposium led by Ryan Williams
New Infographic: How to Read Step-Function Selection Model Results
View our new infographic about reading step-function selection models, a type of statistical model used in meta-analysis to assess and adjust for selective reporting bias.
New Infographic: Using AI Tools
View our interactive infographic on the benefits and limitations of using artificial intelligence (AI) tools for systematic review and meta-analysis. Download the 508-compliant version.
Diverse Partners
MOSAIC receives funding from multiple partners, including:
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences
- National Center for Education Research
- National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance
- U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice
- The Wallace Foundation
