What is the primary goal of a meta-synthesis in qualitative research?

A meta-synthesis in qualitative research aims to offer a new integrative interpretation of findings from multiple qualitative studies. This process involves analyzing and combining the insights and themes from various qualitative investigations to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon. By doing so, it allows researchers and practitioners to derive broader insights that can contribute to theory, inform practice, or guide further research.

The essence of meta-synthesis lies in its ability to not just summarize existing findings but to reinterpret them through a new lens, thus enriching the knowledge base of the field. It is focused on understanding meaning and context rather than solely quantifying data or developing new tests. As such, the approach emphasizes the holistic understanding of qualitative data rather than the numerical analysis typical of quantitative research. This integrative interpretation can lead to new hypotheses or highlight gaps in the existing literature, driving future research directions.