I have a general sense from recent reading and conference interaction that qualitative or mixed methods researchers are more likely (than non-qualitative researchers) to see results of review of prior research as actual findings and not just background or fodder for the interview guide. This is obvious of course in a systematic/meta review of any type - qual or quan - but to date I have not generally seen the extracted ROL findings included in the discussion other than perhaps as a comparison (and this is the approach I have taken). But all evidence is to some extent evidence, and many of research questions we collectively are concerned with are not new or original so perhaps we should make a greater effort to take a collaborative/synthesis-inspired view rather than a 'trying to find the holes or gaps in what others have done' view.
This actually leads in to what has lately become one of my obsessions, if that is in fact the right word - which is the continuation of use of narrative reviews of lit as research papers or segments of dissertation/theses. Given the resources most universities have (and assuming my own recent unpleasant experience with interlibrary loan was the exception and not the rule; one of these days I might write a post about that!), there is nothing that prevents all searches from being systematic. My experience is that even given directions to search systematically, students will choose to read and write about things they find interesting - which often means things they like or agree with. I think a larger concern is in teaching students how to organize and write up the findings of a review in a systematic way. This type of categorizing or even 'themeing' actually suggests a good use for qualitative analysis skills.....
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AuthorI am Sheryl L. Chatfield, Ph.D, C.T.R.S. I am a member of the faculty in the College of Public Health at Kent State University. I also Co-coordinate the Graduate Certificate in Qualitative Research and I am a member of the Design Innovation Team at Kent State. Archives
February 2024
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