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Using Mixed Methods Research Synthesis for Literature Reviews
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Using Mixed Methods Research Synthesis for Literature Reviews

First Edition


May 2016 | 344 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Providing step-by-step instruction for conducting a mixed methods research synthesis (MMRS) that integrates both qualitative and quantitative evidence, this book progresses through a systematic, comprehensive approach to conducting an MMRS literature review to analyze and summarize the empirical evidence regarding a particular review question. Readers will benefit from discussion of the potential advantages of MMRS and guidance on how to avoid its potential pitfalls.

 Using Mixed Methods Research Synthesis for Literature Reviews is Volume 4 in the SAGE Mixed Methods Research Series. To learn more about each text in the series, please visit www.sagepub.com/mmrs.  

 
Chapter 1: Introduction to MMRS Literature Reviews
Historical Sketch, Concepts, and Definitions

 
Overview of the Stages for Conducting MMRS Literature Reviews

 
Ontological Orientations for MMRS Literature Reviews

 
Practical Guidelines for Conducting MMRS Literature Reviews

 
Potentials and Pitfalls for MMRS Literature Reviews

 
 
Chapter 2: Preparing for an MMRS Literature Review
Building a Review Team

 
Preparing for the Protocol Phase

 
Developing a Protocol

 
Ethics Involved in Conducting MMRS Literature Reviews

 
Advantages and Pitfalls of the Preparatory Phase

 
 
Chapter 3: Searching for Relevant Studies
Search Process

 
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

 
Documenting and Reporting the Search Process and Results

 
Challenges of Data Collection and Eligibility Criteria for MMRS Literature Reviews

 
 
Chapter 4: Quality Assessment of Primary Research Studies
Defining Quality Assessment

 
Should We Appraise the Quality of Studies and Why?

 
Approaches to Quality Assessment

 
What Sort of Tools Are Available to Support Quality Assessment of Primary Studies?

 
Dealing With the Outcome of a Quality Assessment Exercise

 
Remaining Challenges for the Quality Assessment Stage

 
 
Chapter 5: Extracting Descriptive Data
Rationale for Descriptive Data Extraction

 
Four Steps for Extracting Descriptive Data

 
Systematic and Transparent Descriptive Data Extraction Process

 
Presenting the Extracted Descriptive Data in the MMRS Report

 
Challenges of Descriptive Data Extraction for MMRS Literature Reviews

 
 
Chapter 6: Data Synthesis for Segregated MMRS Literature Reviews
Data Synthesis for Segregated, Integrated, and Contingent MMRS

 
Possible Data Synthesis Approaches for Segregated MMRS

 
Synthesis Approaches for the Qualitative Strand of a Segregated MMRS

 
Synthesis Approaches for the Quantitative Strand of a Segregated MMRS

 
Bringing the Findings of the Qualitative and the Quantitative Strand Together

 
 
Chapter 7: Data Synthesis for Integrated MMRS Literature Reviews
Possible Data Synthesis Approaches for Integrated MMRS

 
Quantitizing Approaches

 
Qualitizing Approaches

 
Mixed Synthesis Approaches

 
 
Chapter 8: Data Synthesis for Contingent MMRS Literature Reviews
Data Synthesis for Contingent MMRS

 
A Closer Look at Often Used Data Synthesis Approaches for Contingent MMRS

 
Alternative Data Synthesis Approaches for Contingent MMRS: Bayesian Syntheses

 
 
Chapter 9: Reporting MMRS Literature Reviews
Writing Process

 
The MMRS Report

 
Publication Outlets for MMRS Protocols and Literature Reviews

 
Challenges of Reporting and Publishing MMRS Literature Reviews

 

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


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