You are here

Meta-Study of Qualitative Health Research
Share

Meta-Study of Qualitative Health Research
A Practical Guide to Meta-Analysis and Meta-Synthesis

  • Barbara L. Paterson - Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, Canada, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada, University of British Colombia, Canada
  • Sally E. Thorne - University of British Columbia, Canada
  • Connie Canam - University of British Colombia, Canada
  • Carol Jillings - University of British Colombia, Canada


July 2001 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
Meta-study is an exciting new opportunity for the analysis and synthesis of qualitative research findings. Over the last two decades, a wide range of methods and approaches originating from the social and health sciences have provided a wealth of new knowledge sources from which to develop theory.

This book provides step-by-step directions for how to conduct a meta-study, as well as recommendations for tools and standards for the application of this approach.

Meta-study entails an exhaustive analysis of the theory, method, and findings of research in a substantive area. These analytic processes form the foundation upon which a credible synthesis of new knowledge can be explored. Meta-study permits investigators to:

{ look beyond individual findings

{ critically interpret variations and contradictions in the body of available research

{ move toward the potential for knowledge synthesis

The authors of this timely volume:

{ differentiate between meta-analysis and meta-synthesis

{ write in a how-to style

{ illustrate each step with examples from their own meta-study projects in the substantive field of chronic illness

{ use their own experience with performing a meta-study to explain the process, including past mistakes and retrospective insight

 
Introduction
 
Laying the Groundwork for Meta-Study
 
The Retrieval and Assessment of Primary Research
 
Meta-Data-Analysis
 
Meta-Method
 
Meta-Theory
 
Meta-Synthesis
 
Evaluation, Dissemination and Future Challenges

"This book is a superior achievement from a group of masterful scholars. The book shows the theoretical, ethical, and political complexity of qualitative study, and yet offers an illuminating and useful guide to how it can be accomplished with distinction. I highly recommend it."

MARGARETE SANDELOWSKI
PhD, RN, FAAN Professor, School of Nursing

This textbook introduces meta-study and gives practical advice for how students can get started in such a research project. The language is plain and easy to follow. Although the authors focus on health research, the examples and applications can be easily applied for other fields.
This textbook should use as an introduction to the topic.

Dr Bruno Schivinski
Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University
March 26, 2016

Level too complex for MSc nursing students - but would be useful for doctoral students

Mrs Laura Iraine Middleton-Green
Divison of Nursing Studies, Bradford University
February 24, 2016

clear, helpful and complete. A book that guides you step by step and explains concepts in a clear but complete way. Really essential for conducting a meta-study

Mrs Elena Tarlazzi
CDL Ostetriche, Università di Bologna
June 19, 2015

I have found this book to be easy to read in terms of the lay out and format. It focuses on important key issues related to qualitative health based research. It also explains key concepts and theories in a detailed way. Some helpful examples throughout the book but more importantly I feel this book is very useful for the health researcher. A great resource for the post graduate researcher and as a framework for teaching at a Bsc level and Phd level.

Miss Zanib Mohammed
health sciences, University of York
December 10, 2014

A thoughtful and detailed text that informs the reader well. Helpfully, the authors speak from their direct experience.

Mr Joseph Curran
Dept of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
November 21, 2014

With the rise in use of meta-synthesis in qualitative research this book is timely. It offers a comprehensive overview of the area of meta-study, clearly describes procedure, and presents a clear understanding of this important method in the qualitative arena. Would recommend this for Post-Graduate Research Courses.

Ms Wendy Turton
Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton University
May 15, 2013

This book will be used as a supplementary text and for background reading for students undertaking specific types of reviews.

Dr Andrew Soundy
Physiotherapy Department, Birmingham University
March 4, 2013

Meta-Study of Qualitative Health research presents a succinct guide which describes how to undertake a systematic approach to undertaking a literature search and analysing the results using interpretative research methods. This text is suitable for anyone undertaking a literature review within health and nursing research. The techniques and processes introduced to the reader can be used be applied to any qualitative research project which seeks to undertake a meta-study of the literature within a given area. This book is essential reading for undergraduate students new to the concept of meta-analysis and meta-synthesis.
Status: Essential reading

Mr Gary McKenna
School of Computing, University of the West of Scotland
October 6, 2012

A must book for qualitative researchers

Dr Krishna Regmi
School of Health & Bioscience, University of East London
June 24, 2010

For instructors

This book is not available as an inspection copy. For more information contact your local sales representative.

Purchasing options

Please select a format:

ISBN: 9780761924159
£76.00
ISBN: 9780761924142
£121.00

SAGE Research Methods is a research methods tool created to help researchers, faculty and students with their research projects. SAGE Research Methods links over 175,000 pages of SAGE’s renowned book, journal and reference content with truly advanced search and discovery tools. Researchers can explore methods concepts to help them design research projects, understand particular methods or identify a new method, conduct their research, and write up their findings. Since SAGE Research Methods focuses on methodology rather than disciplines, it can be used across the social sciences, health sciences, and more.

With SAGE Research Methods, researchers can explore their chosen method across the depth and breadth of content, expanding or refining their search as needed; read online, print, or email full-text content; utilize suggested related methods and links to related authors from SAGE Research Methods' robust library and unique features; and even share their own collections of content through Methods Lists. SAGE Research Methods contains content from over 720 books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and handbooks, the entire “Little Green Book,” and "Little Blue Book” series, two Major Works collating a selection of journal articles, and specially commissioned videos.