Meta-synthesis may be used just to integrate the findings of qualitative studies alone or it may also be used to incorporate quantitative findings as well. There are many approaches to meta-synthesis and a review of meta-synthesis methods for qualitative research lists approximately 10 methods (Barnett-Page & Thomas 2009), resulting in different terms associated with it, such as meta-summary. Whatever the approach, researchers essentially follow a method where all qualitative studies that exist on a particular topic are searched and reviewed and then matrices (tables) are used to compare studies and create a new interpretation of the collected data.
As to which framework I would recommend, that would depend very much on the topic and the task.
Hi,
In this qualitative meta - synthesis, at least three kinds of syntheses of findings from qualitative studies have been attempted. One kind of effort involves the integration of findings from multiple analytic paths taken within a program of research by the same investigators. Second kind of effort involves the synthesis of findings across studies conducted by different investigators. A third strategy involves the use of quantitative methods to aggregate qualitative findings from cases across different studies. These techniques are used also to create findings from individual cases in the same study.
For further references:
1. Atkinson, P. Some perils of paradigms. Qualitative Health Research, 5 ; p: 117 – 124.
2. Brown, M.S., & Hellings, P. A case study of qualitative versus quantitative reviews: The maternal – infant bonding controversy. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 4, p: 104 – 111.
3. Burns, N. Standards for qualitative research. Nursing Science Quarterly, 2, p: 44 – 52.
This chapter provides an excellent overview of metasynthesis:
Sandelowski, M. (2012). Metasynthesis of qualitative research. In H. Cooper (Ed.), APA handbook of research methods in psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 19-36). Washington. DC: American Psychological Association
Dear all,
Thank you so much for the help and advice! It all looks really helpful, and I will look up the references to make a more informed choice. Many thanks again!
Edith
Edith:
thank you for asking such a valuable question contributing to research for evidence based practice. I find that not enough researchers have an interest in Qualitative designs that actually investigates the actual feelings feelings and perceptions of sample groups that has no measurements suitable for quantification: Kudos to you and God bless you in your research
Hi there
The review of Whittemore is also worth considering. Just to give you an overview. There is also the RAMESES (Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards) project that is worth looking into.
Whittemore R, Chao A, Jang M, Minges KE, Park C, (2014) Methods for knowledge synthesis: An overview. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care 43: 453-461
http://www.ramesesproject.org/
Many thanks again! This is growing into quite a project but one well worth it; also, it's the first time I posted a question here, and I am very pleasantly surprised by the responses. Good to know there is such a well-informed and supportive research community out there.
Patresha - not sure what you mean. Most qualitative nursing research has the aim of investigating feelings, perceptions, experiences, beliefs, values etc of the sample participants. Rarely does the issue of quantification surface. Back to the original question - some may regard the issue of qualitative meta-synthesis as quantification of qualitative findings - but that is a contested notion.
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