# Ten practices for successful study coding in research syntheses: Developing coding manuals and coding forms

## TL;DR

This tutorial offers 10 practical tips for creating effective coding manuals and forms to improve data extraction in research syntheses.

## Contribution

The paper introduces 10 structured practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of study coding in research syntheses.

## Key findings

- The 10 practices are supported with examples and resources for better implementation.
- The tutorial aims to improve the consistency and reliability of data extraction in meta-analyses.
- The guidance is intended to help authors, especially newcomers, produce high-quality coding materials.

## Abstract

Study coding is an essential component of the research synthesis process. Data extracted during study coding serve as a direct link between the included studies and the synthesis results, allowing reviewers to justify claims about the findings from a set of related studies. The purpose of this tutorial is to provide authors, particularly those new to research synthesis, with recommendations to develop study coding manuals and forms that result in efficient, high-quality data extraction. Each of the 10 easy-to-follow practices is supported with additional resources, examples, or non-examples to help authors develop high-quality study coding materials. With the increase in publication of meta-analyses in recent years across many disciplines, a primary goal of this article is to enhance the quality of study coding materials that authors develop.