Qualitative meta-synthesis: a question of dialoguing with texts.
TL;DR: It is important for researchers to bring hermeneutic skill to the process of meta-synthesis in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various philosophical assumptions in which qualitative approaches are based.
Abstract: Aims. This paper discusses whether useful synthesis of research reports across different qualitative methodologies is possible, and whether qualitative meta-synthesis violates the tenets of the interpretive paradigm.
Background. Qualitative meta-synthesis is a recent development in qualitative inquiry that offers a means of enhancing the contribution of qualitative findings to the development of more formalized knowledge. However, there are a number of unanswered questions and areas that require debate.
Discussion. A brief overview of qualitative meta-synthesis as a method of inquiry is presented. The assumptions of phenomenology, ethnography and grounded theory are explored for their amenability to meta-synthesis and the possibility of coherent synthesis of findings across these methodologies. In addition, a summary of major philosophical commitments common to the interpretive paradigm is presented. Qualitative meta-synthesis as a methodology is then explored for its fit within this paradigm. An argument is made, with some caveats, for synthesis across qualitative methodologies. Gadamer's concepts of the hermeneutic circle, the fusion of horizons, and dialogue with the text are explored for the insight they provide into the place of qualitative meta-synthesis in inquiry.
Conclusion. It is important for researchers to bring hermeneutic skill to the process of meta-synthesis in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the various philosophical assumptions in which qualitative approaches are based. The particular challenge of combining analysis and interpretation from studies with markedly different approaches and intentions may prompt synthesists to create new and innovative approaches to the presentation of meta-synthesis.
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TL;DR: Findings from quantitative research on cyberbullying victimization suggest that victimization is associated with serious psychosocial, affective, and academic problems and ways that future research can remedy them.
1,882 citations
Cites background from "Qualitative meta-synthesis: a quest..."
...Meta-synthesis is a process of summarizing an entire body of literature by providing a comprehensive overview on a specific subject (Zimmer, 2006)....
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TL;DR: In this article, the adaptability of purposeful sampling strategies to the process of qualitative research synthesis is examined, and the authors make a unique contribution to the literature by examining how different sampling strategies might be particularly suited to constructing multi-perspectival, emancipatory, participatory and deconstructive interpretations of published research.
Abstract: Informed decisions about sampling are critical to improving the quality of research synthesis. Even though several qualitative research synthesists have recommended purposeful sampling for synthesizing qualitative research, the published literature holds sparse discussion on how different strategies for purposeful sampling may be applied to a research synthesis. In primary research, Patton is frequently cited as an authority on the topic of purposeful sampling. In Patton’s original texts that are referred to in this article, Patton does not make any suggestion of using purposeful sampling for research synthesis. This article makes a unique contribution to the literature by examining the adaptability of each of Patton’s 16 purposeful sampling strategies to the process of qualitative research synthesis. It illuminates how different purposeful sampling strategies might be particularly suited to constructing multi‐perspectival, emancipatory, participatory and deconstructive interpretations of published research.
1,414 citations
Additional excerpts
...…& Huberman, 1994), meta-analysis of qualitative research (Jensen & Allen, 1994), qualitative meta-synthesis (Sandelowski, Docherty, and Emden, 1997; Zimmer, 2006), qualitative systematic review (Booth, 2001), meta-study (Paterson, Thorne, Canam, and Jillings, 2001), and qualitative research…...
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TL;DR: This article illustrates with five published studies how qualitative research can impact and reshape the discipline of primary care, spiraling out from clinic-based health screening to community-based disease monitoring, evaluation of out-of-hours triage services to provincial psychiatric care pathways model and finally, national legislation of core measures for children's healthcare insurance.
Abstract: In general practice, qualitative research contributes as significantly as quantitative research, in particular regarding psycho-social aspects of patient-care, health services provision, policy setting, and health administrations. In contrast to quantitative research, qualitative research as a whole has been constantly critiqued, if not disparaged, by the lack of consensus for assessing its quality and robustness. This article illustrates with five published studies how qualitative research can impact and reshape the discipline of primary care, spiraling out from clinic-based health screening to community-based disease monitoring, evaluation of out-of-hours triage services to provincial psychiatric care pathways model and finally, national legislation of core measures for children's healthcare insurance. Fundamental concepts of validity, reliability, and generalizability as applicable to qualitative research are then addressed with an update on the current views and controversies.
1,176 citations
Cites background from "Qualitative meta-synthesis: a quest..."
...[33] Thus said, Zimmer[34] questioned the suitability of meta‑synthesis in view of the basic tenets of grounded theory,[35] phenomenology[36] and ethnography....
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...[33] Thus said, Zimmer[34] questioned the suitability of meta‐synthesis in view of the basic tenets of grounded theory,[35] phenomenology[36] and ethnography....
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TL;DR: A framework for qualitative research, in particular for evaluating its quality, founded on epistemology, methodology, and method is clarified, and research that attends to all three elements and demonstrates internal consistency between them is defined.
Abstract: In this article, the authors clarify a framework for qualitative research, in particular for evaluating its quality, founded on epistemology, methodology, and method. They define these elements and discuss their respective contributions and interrelationships. Epistemology determines and is made visible through method, particularly in the participant- researcher relationship, measures of research quality, and form, voice, and representation in analysis and writing. Epistemology guides methodological choices and is axiological. Methodology shapes and is shaped by research objectives, questions, and study design. Methodologies can prescribe choices of method, resonate with particular academic disciplines, and encourage or discourage the use and/or development of theory. Method is constrained by and makes visible methodological and epistemic choices. If we define good quality qualitative research as research that attends to all three elements and demonstrates internal consistency between them, standardized checklists can be transcended and innovation and diversity in qualitative research practice facilitated.
1,103 citations
Cites background from "Qualitative meta-synthesis: a quest..."
...Such a disciplinary understanding might not be strictly necessary, but (in tandem with the benefit of research experience) it offers a substantial personal advantage and a basis for thinking carefully about combining methodologies (Zimmer, 2006)....
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...This would enable Anna to become a reflexive and creative practitioner, capable of reinvention and evolution of her craft (Zimmer, 2006)....
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesized the results of nine meta-analyses that examined the impact of parental involvement on student academic achievement and identified generalizable findings across these studies.
Abstract: The impact of parental involvement on student academic achievement has been recognized by teachers, administrators, and policy-makers who consider parental involvement to be one of the integral parts of new educational reforms and initiatives. This study synthesized the results of nine meta-analyses that examined this impact and it identified generalizable findings across these studies. The results indicated that the relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement was positive, regardless of a definition of parental involvement or measure of achievement. Furthermore, the findings revealed that this relationship was strongest if parental involvement was defined as parental expectations for academic achievement of their children. However, the impact of parental involvement on student academic achievement was weakest if parental involvement was defined as homework assistance. Finally, the relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement was found to be consistent across d...
623 citations
References
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TL;DR: In this paper, the discovery of grounded theory is discussed and grounded theory can be found in the form of a grounded theory discovery problem, where the root cause of the problem is identified.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the Hermeneutic Phenomenology of human science research has been studied in the context of personal experience as a starting point to understand the nature of human experience.
Abstract: Preface Preface to the 2nd Edition 1. Human Science Introduction Why Do Human Science Research? What Is a Hermeneutic Phenomenological Human Science? What Does it Mean to Be Rational? What a Human Science Cannot Do Description or Interpretation? Research-Procedures, Techniques, and Methods Methodical Structure of Human Science Research 2. Turning to the Nature of Lived Experience The Nature of Lived Experience Orienting to the Phenomenon Formulating the Phenomenological Question Explicating Assumptions and Pre-understandings 3. Investigating Experience as We Live It The Nature of Data (datum: thing given or granted) Using Personal Experience as a Starting Point Tracing Etymologjcal Sources Searching Idiomatic Phrases Obtaining Experiential Descriptions from Others Protocol Writing (lived-experience descriptions) Interviewing (the personal life story) Observing (the experiential anecdote) Experiential Descriptions in Literature Biography as a Resource for Experiential Material Diaries, Journals, and Logs as Sources of Lived Experiences Art as a Source of Lived Experience Consulting Phenomenological Literature 4. Hermeneutic Phenomenological Rel1ectlon Conducting Thematic Analysis Situations Seeking Meaning What Is a Theme? The Pedagogy of Theme Uncovering Thematic Aspects Isolating Thematic Statements Composing Linguistic Transformations Gleaning Thematic Descriptions from Artistic Sources Interpretation through Conversation Collaborative Analysis: The Research Seminar/Group Lifeworld Existentials as Guides to Reflection Determining Incidental and Essential Themes 5. Hermeneutic Phenomenological Writing Attending to the Speaking of Language Silence-the Limits and Power of Language Anecdote as a Methodological Device The Value of Anecdotal Narrative Varying the Examples Writing Mediates Reflection and Action To Write is to Measure Our Thoughtfulness Writing Exercises the Ability to See The Write is to Show Something To Write is to Rewrite 6. Maintaining a Strong and Oriented Relation The Relation Between Research/Writing and Pedagogy On the Ineffability of Pedagogy "Seeing" Pedagogy The Pedagogic Practice of Textuality Human Science as Critically Oriented Action Research Action Sensitive Knowledge Leads to Pedagogic Competence 7. Balancing the Research Context by Considering Parts and Whole The Research Proposal Effects and Ethics of Human Science Research Plan and Context of a Research Project Working the Text Glossary Bibliography Index
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TL;DR: The Purpose of Qualitative Research Qualitative Approaches An Overview Principles of Conceptualizing a Qualitative Project Principles of Doing Research principles of Data Collection Principles of Data Analysis Qualitative Approach Reporting Qualitative research as discussed by the authors
Abstract: The Purpose of Qualitative Research Qualitative Approaches An Overview Principles of Conceptualizing a Qualitative Project Principles of Doing Research Principles of Data Collection Principles of Data Analysis Qualitative Approaches Reporting Qualitative Research
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