Meta-Study

Abstract

Meta-study is a method for analysing the content and the process of knowledge production in a body of qualitative research. Conducting a meta-study involves four steps: (1) meta-dataanalysis which involves the study of empirical findings; (2) metamethod which examines the epistemological soundness and rigour of methods; (3) meta-theory which examines the structures, assumptions, and principles underpinning the primary research studies; and (4) meta-synthesis which brings the three steps together and considers the plausibility of existing accounts, what has been neglected, and what new avenues have been opened for advancing knowledge. Qualitative researchers in sport and exercise psychology (SEP) have recently started using metastudy to examine bodies of qualitative research in various areas including positive youth development, junior-to-senior transition, athletic identity and mental toughness development. Our review shows that meta-study has been a useful method for demonstrating how methodological developments have influenced how qualitative researchers apply methods and conceptualise the phenomena of interest. However, there have been diverse applications of meta-study and, in the absence of recent updates on the method, meta-study is in danger of remaining underdeveloped or becoming outdated. Based on the review, we outline guidelines for SEP scholars to employ metastudy rigorously.

Research using hashtags: A meta-synthesis

“…Research using hashtags is a composite field of study, which required to adapt the classic meta-study procedures on it. To organize the salient elements that emerged from literature review, we can use some of the procedures identified there (Ronkainen et al, 2022). Thus, what emerged for the two lines of studies can be divided into the sub-branches of: theoretical perspectives and the social media (meta-theory); type of study (meta-method); analysis of results or conclusions (meta-data analysis) (see Table 1).…”

The Potential for Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Transport Systems in Africa and the Caribbean: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Study

“…2.5.2. Analysis 2: Meta-Study Exploring Factors Signifying Opportunity for or Challenge to Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Mobility Systems We used the principles of meta-study [42] to describe and compare findings across studies in relation to the 'human urbanism' stage of the Human Mobility Transition (Table 2), using the prioritised exposures from the previous analysis stage. Meta-study involves four steps: meta-data analysis; meta-method; meta-theory; and meta-synthesis.…”

Nitel Araştırmaların Analizi: Meta-Sentez

“…Son olarak belirtilen üç bileşen meta-sentez sürecinde bir araya getirilir. Bu süreçte amaç, veri, yöntem ve teorinin analizinden türetilen bir fenomenin yeni bir yorumunu üretmektir (Ronkainen, Wiltshire ve Willis, 2022). Mevcut açıklamaların akla yatkınlığını, nelerin ihmal edildiğini ve bilginin ilerlemesi için hangi yeni yolların açıldığını dikkate alan meta-sentez süreci sonucunda meta-çalışma tamamlanmış olur.…”