What are the basic problems with meta-syntheses of qualitative research? (Select all that apply.)
a. Qualitative research itself is a subjective interpretation; a meta-synthesis of qualitative research is a compiling of information generated subjectively.
b. If individual studies have different methods, it may be difficult to find common ground and to devise a meaningful interpretation of the results.
c. Qualitative research has no implications for practice, so performing a meta-synthesis is unjustifiable.
d. In qualitative research, multiple valid interpretations may occur if different researchers examine the text.
e. The recommendation for practice that results from meta-synthesis of qualitative research lacks statistics.
f. The raw data are not available to the qualitative meta-synthesizer.
ANS: A, B, D, F
Meta-synthesis is defined as the systematic compiling and integration of qualitative study results to expand understanding and develop a unique interpretation of study findings in a selected area. The focus is on interpretation rather than the combining of study results as with quantitative research synthesis. Meta-synthesis involves the breaking down of findings from different studies to discover essential features, and then the combining of these ideas into a unique, transformed whole. Meta-summary is a step in conducting meta-synthesis. A process for conducting a meta-synthesis is described in the following section. The process of interpretation occurs in the mind of the reader. Corbin and Strauss describe interpretation as translating the words and actions of participants into meanings that readers and consumers can understand. The virtual text grows in size and complexity as the researcher reads and rereads the transcripts. Throughout the process of analysis, the virtual text develops and evolves. Although multiple valid interpretations may occur if different researchers examine the text, all findings must remain trustworthy to the data. This trustworthiness applies to the unspoken meanings emerging from the totality of the data, not just the written words of the text.
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