Metasynthesis - Research Course in Advanced Qualitative Methods (DHV211)

The scientific contents of the course:

Meta synthesis is research on qualitative research and several methods have been developed to synthesize qualitative studies in various fields and disciplines. Meta-ethnography is one of the most used interpretative meta synthesis methods in development, whereas thematic synthesis, Sandelowski & Barrosso´s meta synthesis methods, and Framework synthesis represent alternative methods for qualitative meta synthesis. Meta synthesis research has the potential to benefit human and societal development and may contribute to the use of qualitative research findings in decision-making. Meta synthesis research studies may advance the critical philosophical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge and discussion that is relevant to the development of qualitative research.


Course description for study year 2025-2026

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

DHV211

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring, Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by

Content

  • Primary research appraisal for meta syntheses

  • Meta synthesis: what, why, and how

  • Meta-ethnography

  • Thematic synthesis

  • Sandelowski & Barroso´s meta synthesis methods

  • Framework synthesis

Learning outcome

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

Knowledge:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the arguments for a meta synthesis research design

 

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of different types of meta synthesis approaches and methods

  • Demonstrate understanding of validity in meta synthesis research designs

 

Skills:

  • Be able to create aims and research questions in meta synthesis research designs

  • Demonstrate skills to applicate meta synthesis designs in research, and conduct a synthesis with a focus on either interpretative meta-ethnography, thematic synthesis, Sandelowski & Barroso´s meta synthesis methods, or Framework synthesis

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

 

General competence:

  • Reflect on the use of meta synthesis in evidence-based practice

  • Integrate a critical attitude to validity in meta synthesis research designs

  • Reflect on ethical, gender and ethnic issues in meta synthesis studies

Required prerequisite knowledge

Qualitative methods

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Paper 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Coursework requirements

Each participant will register a protocol (in PROSPERO or alternative, or as a one-pager) as a plan for a meta synthesis study related to the participants’ own research project using the literature and discussions from the course. Each participant should also identify at least three primary studies for inclusion prior to the Face-to-face session.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Kjersti Velde Helgøy

Course teacher:

Sanna Erika Forsström

Course coordinator:

Per Christer Thomas Westergren

Method of work

Digital session (1-2 days) and Face-to-face in second session (2-3 days)

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto