A Guide to Qualitative Meta-synthesis

A Guide to Qualitative Meta-synthesis provides accessible guidelines for conducting all phases of theory-generating meta-synthesis research, including data collection, analysis, and theory generation. It is a research methodology that is designed to generate evidence-based theory by extracting, analyzing, and synthesizing qualitative findings from across published investigations. These theories provide scaffolding that can be used by health-care providers and other professionals to make context-based decisions and implement situation-specific actions. Theory-generating meta-synthesis methods stem from the qualitative research paradigm, especially grounded theory. Systematic and rigorous methods are used to identify topically related research reports that provide qualitative findings for analysis. The subsequent analysis of the data goes beyond merely reorganizing and recategorizing research findings. Newly synthesized concepts are developed, and the dynamic relationships among them are fully articulated. The validity of the resultant theory is ensured based on theoretical, methodological, and researcher triangulation; unbiased data collection and sampling strategies; inductive-deductive data analysis and synthesis strategies; and continuous reflexivity. Meta-synthesis-generated theories are highly important in environments where the use of normalized algorithms, guidelines, and protocols are on the rise. The types of theories discussed in this book will help service providers customize standardized tools so that the most effective evidence-based, yet individualized, interventions can be implemented.

Deborah Finfgeld-Connett, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Professor Emerita of the Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA. Dr. Finfgeld-Connett has been conducting health-care-related qualitative meta-synthesis research since the mid-1990s. During that time, she has worked to develop and fine-tune the methods that are presented in this textbook.

Preface Acknowledgement Chapter 1. Introduction to Theory-generating Meta-synthesis Research Chapter 2. Research Purpose, Topic, Questions, and Hypotheses Chapter 3. Data Collection and Sampling with E. Diane Johnson Chapter 4. Data Extraction, Analysis, and Theory Generation Chapter 5. Writing up the Results Chapter 6. Looking Ahead Glossary Appendix 1. Examples of Theory-generating Meta-synthesis Investigations Appendix 2. Article Reprint: Perceived Competency and Resolution of Homelessness Among Women With Substance Abuse Problems Appendix 3. Article Reprint: Qualitative Systematic Review of Intimate Partner Violence among Native Americans Appendix 4. Article Reprint: Intimate Partner Violence and its Resolution among Mexican Americans Appendix 5. Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP)