Framework synthesis | Applies primary research methods to map and interpret patterns of meaning (or ‘themes’) from multiple qualitative studies against a prespecified framework or theory |
Mega-aggregation | Overview that applies methods that are more commonly used to aggregate (group together) findings from multiple primary qualitative studies to produce a synthesis of multiple qualitative evidence syntheses |
Mega-ethnography | Overview that applies methods that are more commonly used to construct interpretations of findings (a line of argument) from multiple primary qualitative studies to produce a synthesis of multiple qualitative evidence syntheses |
Meta-ethnography | Interpretive approach that synthesises qualitative research to ‘translate’ qualitative studies into one another and then bring the separate parts together to form a whole line of argument that is greater than the sum of its parts |
Qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) | Umbrella term for process by which reviewers systematically review and synthesise data from individual qualitative studies on a shared topic of interest to create new understanding by comparing and analysing concepts and findings |
Rapid qualitative evidence synthesis (rQES) | Synthesis product that employs accelerated and/or streamlined methods, to synthesise primary qualitative research data so that completion of the review output occurs earlier than with a typical qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) |
Reflexivity | Ongoing, mutually shaping interaction between the researcher/reviewer and the research whereby primary research authors consider their relationship with the research context/participants and reviewers reflect on their relationship to the review topic and the studies under consideration |
Thematic synthesis | Applies primary research methods to identify, analyse and interpret patterns of meaning (or ‘themes’) across multiple qualitative studies |