Metasynthesis - Research Course in Advanced Qualitative Methods

PRO9001

Metasynthesis is research on qualitative research and several methods have been developed to synthesize qualitative studies in various fields and disciplines. Metasynthesis research has the potential to benefit human and societal development, and may contribute to the use of qualitative research findings in decision-making. Metasynthesis research studies may advance the critical philosophical, theoretical and methodological knowledge and discussion that is relevant to the development of qualitative research.

Contents: *Metasynthesis-what, why, and how *Metaethnography *Metasummary *Meta-aggregation *Comparisons of metasynthesis to integrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analysis and secondary analysis *Primary research appraisal

PhD Candidates in nursing and caring sciences, other health sciences, and fields of professional studies. PhD candidates at the National Norwegian Research School for Research and Development of Municipal Health and Care-MUNI HC will get first priority admission to the course. PhD candidates at other universities and university colleges in Norway and EEA can apply for admission to the course. Documentation of admission to a PhD program is required

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the arguments for a metasynthesis research design

• Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of different types of metasynthesis approaches and methods

• Demonstrate understanding of validity in metasynthesis research designs

Skills:

• Be able to create aims and research questions in metasynthesis research designs

• Demonstrate skills to applicate metasynthesis designs in research

• Be able to critically assess and evaluate qualitative studies for inclusion in metasynthesis studies

General competence:

• Reflect on the use of metasynthesis in evidence-based practice

• Integrate a critical attitude to validity in metasynthesis research designs

• Reflect on ethical, gender and ethnic issues in metasynthesis studies

Lectures, exercises and discussions

The study program is evaluated by students by way of course evaluation studies (mid-term evaluation and final evaluation). These evaluations are included in the university’s quality assurance system.

Each participant will write a paper (ca. 3500 words) as a plan for a metasynthesis study related to the participants’ own research project using the literature and discussions from the course (OP). The paper should include suggestions and arguments for a) the aim and research question, b) the criteria for inclusion and exclusion, c) a plan for a literature search, d) a preliminary appraisal and analysis of the findings of three included articles, and d) a possible synthesis and finally, e) reflections on the process. The paper will be graded on a pass/fail grade.

Course language

English

Credits

Responsible faculty

The Faculty of Education and Arts

Course coordinator

Information about the course coordinator for the selected semester is no longer available. Please contact the current course coordinator.