Using Mixed Methods Research Synthesis for Literature Reviews

This practical guide provides step-by-step instruction for conducting a mixed methods research synthesis (MMRS) that integrates both qualitative and quantitative evidence. The 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.

Table of Contents:
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