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

by Barbara L. Paterson

• ISBN13: 9780761924159
• ISBN10: 0761924159
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-06-01
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

"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 University of North Carolina at Chapel HillIn this book, Volume 3 of the Methods in Nursing Research series, Barbara Paterson and colleagues provide step-by-step directions for how to proceed in conducting a meta-study, as well as recommendations for tools and standards relating to the application of their approach. Drawing from their experience with meta-study research projects on chronic illness, the authors articulate and theorize the meta-analysis and meta-synthesis of qualitatively derived knowledge.

Table of Contents

Series Editor's Foreword	ix
Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xiii
Introduction	1	(18)
Challenges to Viewing the Insider Perspective	3	(2)
Meta-Study: Beyond Synthesis of Research Findings	5	(1)
Philosophical Foundations of Meta-Study	6	(4)
Components of Meta-Study	10	(3)
The Research Process in Meta-Study	13	(1)
Outcomes of Meta-Study	14	(1)
Limitations	15	(1)
Organization of the Book	16	(1)
Conclusion	16	(3)
Laying the Groundwork for Meta-Study	19	(14)
Establishing the Research Team	19	(2)
Collaboration Among Team Members	21	(2)
Determining the Purpose of the Meta-Study	23	(1)
Formulating a Research Question	24	(1)
Selecting a Theoretical Framework	25	(2)
Obtaining Funding	27	(2)
Lessons Learned	29	(3)
Conclusion	32	(1)
The Retrieval and Assessment of Primary Research	33	(22)
Retrieval of Primary Research Reports	33	(6)
Criteria for Inclusion	39	(3)
Criteria for Exclusion	42	(4)
Appraisal of Primary Research Reports	46	(4)
Development of a Filing and Coding System	50	(1)
Ensuring Rigor	51	(3)
Conclusion	54	(1)
Meta-Data-Analysis	55	(16)
The Purpose	56	(1)
Data in Meta-Data-Analysis	57	(2)
Selection of Analytic Approach	59	(1)
The Meta-Study Approach to Meta-Data-Analysis	60	(2)
Data Management	62	(2)
One Analytic Approach	64	(4)
Remaining Analytically Honest	68	(1)
Conclusion	69	(2)
Meta-Method	71	(20)
The Purpose	71	(3)
The Procedure	74	(1)
The Appraisal of Individual Primary Studies	75	(10)
Overall Appraisal of Primary Studies	85	(4)
Conclusion	89	(2)
Meta-Theory	91	(18)
The Purpose	91	(1)
The Nature of Theory in Meta-Theory	92	(3)
The Initial Procedures	95	(2)
Procedures for Theory Analysis	97	(1)
Identifying Major Paradigms	97	(9)
Issues in Theory Analysis	106	(1)
Conclusion	107	(2)
Meta-Synthesis	109	(14)
The Purpose	110	(1)
The Procedure	111	(9)
Products of Meta-Synthesis	120	(1)
Conclusion	121	(2)
Evaluation, Dissemination, and Future Challenges	123	(12)
Evaluation of Meta-Study Outcomes	123	(3)
Dissemination of Meta-Study Findings	126	(3)
Challenging Traditional Practices	129	(2)
Future Directions	131	(4)
Appendix A: Primary Research Appraisal Tool	135	(6)
Appendix B: Table of Primary Research Features	141	(2)
References	143	(8)
Name Index	151	(4)
Subject Index	155	(6)
About the Authors	161