Meta-synthesis is a method for integrating, evaluating, and interpreting findings from multiple qualitative studies on a similar topic. It does not simply aggregate or sum up the results but aims to create a new holistic interpretation.
Think of meta-synthesis as a way of building on the insights of various studies to develop a comprehensive understanding that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Here is why it is essential to conduct meta-synthesis:
The primary purpose of meta-synthesis is to combine results from different qualitative studies to create a new understanding.
For example, if researchers want to understand how students feel about online learning, each study may present different perspectives on the topic. However, together they show that students enjoy flexibility but miss face-to-face interaction.
The meta-synthesis in this example helps researchers create a clearer picture of students’ emotions and experiences during online classes.
Qualitative meta-synthesis is based on the results of many qualitative studies, which help uncover deeper meanings.
Main types include the following.
| Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Thematic Synthesis | Uses themes from different studies to identify common patterns or meanings. |
| Meta-Ethnography | Translates key ideas from one qualitative study to another to develop new insights. |
| Critical Interpretive Synthesis | Critically evaluates studies to derive new theories or conceptual frameworks. |
| Meta-Summary | Collects and summarises main findings from multiple qualitative studies. |
Meta-synthesis is a research method that integrates findings from qualitative studies. The aim is to interpret and integrate diverse qualitative findings to develop new insights or to create a broader theoretical framework.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to conduct meta-synthesis:
Clearly state the research question or objective you intend to address. This will guide your selection of studies and your synthesis process.
Determine which studies will be included or excluded based on factors such as publication date, methodological quality, population, and other relevant criteria.
Utilise academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, or specialised databases relevant to your field. Ensure you use comprehensive search terms to capture all relevant studies.
Screen titles and abstracts against your inclusion criteria. After this initial screening, read the full texts of potential studies to ensure they meet your criteria.
Assess the methodological quality of each study using appropriate critical appraisal tools for qualitative research.
Create a data extraction form to collect key information from each study, such as study aims, population, methodology, and findings.
There are various methods for conducting a meta-synthesis, including:
Identifying themes or concepts in each paper and then integrating them. Thematic synthesis is an approach to identify, analyse, and report patterns (themes) within data.
Thematic synthesis is particularly valuable when combining findings from multiple qualitative studies, thereby providing a more comprehensive understanding of a specific phenomenon.
Meta-ethnography is a systematic, qualitative synthesis method primarily used to interpret and integrate findings from multiple qualitative studies on a particular topic.
It is widely used in health and social care research and in other fields.
It is distinct from other methods of synthesis in that it focuses on interpreting and translating concepts and metaphors across studies, rather than aggregating or pooling data.
Grounded Theory is a research method used to develop a theory that is “grounded” in systematically gathered and analysed data.
Rather than starting with a hypothesis, researchers collect data and let the theory emerge from it.
Key processes in grounded theory include:
The ultimate aim is to develop a theory that offers an explanation of the primary concern of the population of the substantive area and how that concern is resolved or processed.
Narrative synthesis is an approach used in systematic reviews and in the development of search strategies, particularly for synthesising findings from multiple studies.
It is commonly used when quantitative meta-analysis is not possible or appropriate, especially when reviewing diverse forms of evidence, including qualitative research, observational studies, or intervention studies with various outcome measures.
Note: The choice of method depends on your research question and personal or disciplinary preference.
Once initial themes or findings are extracted, the goal is to identify patterns, relationships, or inconsistencies that can generate new insights or overarching themes.
Clearly present the results of your meta-synthesis, including how studies were selected, the quality of included studies, the process of synthesis, the main findings, and their implications.
Highlight the significance of your findings in the broader context of your field.
Discuss limitations and implications for practice, policy, or further research, and conclude by emphasising the value of the meta-synthesis in enhancing understanding of the topic.
Consider having peers review your synthesis to ensure you have not missed any key insights or interpretations.
Ensure every step of your meta-synthesis process is thoroughly documented to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
| Aspect | Meta-Analysis | Meta-Synthesis |
|---|---|---|
| Definition, Purpose, and Approach |
Meta-analysis combines quantitative data from multiple studies to identify patterns and draw statistical conclusions. It focuses on numerical outcomes, effect sizes, and relationships between variables to strengthen evidence. |
Meta-synthesis integrates qualitative research findings to generate new interpretations or theories. It emphasises themes, meanings, and insights across studies to deepen understanding of complex experiences. |
| Aspect | Meta-Synthesis | Thematic Synthesis |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Involves interpretive integration of qualitative research findings to develop new conceptual insights or theoretical perspectives. | Identifies, analyses, and reports recurring patterns (themes) across qualitative data from multiple studies. |
| Approach | Interpretive and theory-generating. | Descriptive and theme-oriented. |
| Nature | More abstract and interpretive. | More pragmatic and descriptive. |
| Type of Data | Uses qualitative studies and their interpretations. | Uses textual qualitative data from multiple studies. |
| Output | Produces a new theoretical model or conceptual framework. | Generates a set of synthesised themes. |
| Inclusion Criteria | Focuses on interpretive, conceptually rich qualitative studies. | Includes qualitative studies with clear thematic data. |
| Synthesis Goal | Aims to develop new theoretical understanding. | Aims to identify and describe shared themes across studies. |
While meta-synthesis is a powerful tool, it is not without its challenges:
| Aspect | Meta-Synthesis | Systematic Review |
|---|---|---|
| Nature & Purpose | Synthesises qualitative studies to generate new interpretations, concepts, or theories. | Summarises and evaluates existing evidence (qualitative, quantitative, or both) on a specific research question. |
| Type of Research | Primarily qualitative (sometimes includes mixed-method studies). | Can include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method research. |
| Analysis | Interpretive — focuses on developing themes, metaphors, and theoretical insights. | Analytical — extracts, appraises, and synthesises data; may include meta-analysis for quantitative studies. |
| Outcome | Produces new conceptual or theoretical understandings. | Provides summarised, evidence-based conclusions and assesses research quality. |
| Methodology | Interpretive, flexible, and theory-building. | Structured, transparent, and replicable — guided by predefined inclusion and appraisal criteria. |
Meta-analysis is a quantitative method that combines results from multiple studies to provide a single estimate of an effect, often using statistical techniques. Meta-synthesis, on the other hand, is a qualitative approach that integrates findings from various qualitative studies to generate new insights, interpretations, or theories. Both aim to summarise and consolidate research evidence.
Meta-synthesis in qualitative research refers to a systematic approach used to integrate and interpret findings from multiple qualitative studies. It aims to produce a higher-order synthesis or new understanding, rather than aggregating data. Meta-synthesis captures the essence and complexities of phenomena and can generate novel insights or theories.
The term “meta-synthesis” evolved from the growing interest in synthesising qualitative research during the late 20th century. While it’s difficult to attribute the term to a single individual, scholars like Margarete Sandelowski and Julie Barroso have significantly contributed to its conceptual development and methodology in the realm of qualitative research.
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