"Meta Interpretation": A Method for the Interpretive Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Authors

  • Mike Weed Loughborough University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-6.1.508

Keywords:

synthesis, interpretive, qualitative, meta-interpretation, method

Abstract

Recognition of the need for good research synthesis dates back almost half a century (c.f .WRIGHT MILLS, 1959), although it is far more recently that specific methods of synthesis have been developed. NOBLIT and HARE (1988) argue that such methods have emerged because of the failings, in the eyes of both positivists and interpretivists, of traditional literature reviews which, while giving an overview of the field, are often descriptive and are rarely able to make sense of what the collection of studies reviewed has to say. The purpose of this paper is to propose a method for meta-interpretation which focuses on the interpretive synthesis of qualitative research, thus maintaining an interpretive epistemology that is congruent with the majority of primary qualitative research. The paper reviews and evaluates eight research methods or approaches that include some form of synthesis (literature review, systematic review, meta-analysis, meta-ethnography, grounded theory, cross-case comparison, secondary analysis of primary data, and interpretive phenomenological analysis). The key features of each approach are drawn out, and their implications for the construction of the meta-interpretation approach are discussed. The paper then outlines a potential procedure for meta-interpretation before concluding with some comments on the functions of synthesis in general and meta-interpretation in particular. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0501375

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Author Biography

Mike Weed, Loughborough University

Dr Mike WEED is with the Institute of Sport and Leisure Policy in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Loughborough University. He is interested in the relationship between sport and tourism, and in particular in the behaviour patterns and motivations of sports tourists and sports spectators. He is also interested in Youth Football Development and is directing a range of consultancy projects in this area funded by agencies such as the Football Association, 4 Children and Coca-Cola Enterprises. Dr WEED is interested in meso-level and innovative qualitative approaches to research and he convenes a Qualitative Research Group within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. He sits on the Editorial Board of The Qualitative Report and is co-ordinator of "The Research Synthesis Project", an international collaboration of researchers working on methods of research synthesis in sport and exercise.

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Published

2005-01-31

How to Cite

Weed, M. (2005). "Meta Interpretation": A Method for the Interpretive Synthesis of Qualitative Research. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-6.1.508

Issue

Section

Approaches to Re-use: Asking New Questions of Old Data