The Specificity of a Systematic Review Is the Key to Its Value: A Response to Johnston (2005)

Abstract

We would like to thank the Editor for drawing to our attention Professor’s Johnston’s (2005) helpful commentary on our recent article in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research titled ‘‘The Efficacy of Treatment for Children With Developmental Speech and Language Delay/Disorder: A Meta-Analysis’’ (Law, Garrett, & Nye, 2004). Johnston’s comments are most welcome because we need clinicians and researchers to engage in the evidence-based practice debate and to reflect on the nature of evidence that they and others are likely to accept for informing both policy and practice. We would like to address the most salient concerns raised.