Research Methodology in the Human Sciences

Metasynthesis is a systematic and comprehensive method in qualitative research that combines the results of several qualitative studies to provide a deeper, more comprehensive, and more generalizable understanding of a phenomenon. By collecting, evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing the findings of different studies, this method allows researchers to identify patterns, common concepts, and differences and answer complex research questions. The main steps of metasynthesis are, respectively, determining the research question, conducting a systematic literature search, assessing the quality of studies, extracting data, analyzing data, synthesizing findings, and interpreting results. Increasing the depth and breadth of knowledge, increasing the generalizability of findings, identifying knowledge gaps, helping to develop theories, and improving evidence-based decision-making are among the advantages of the metasynthesis qualitative method. Also, the complexity of the method, the need for qualitative data analysis skills, and the possibility of the researcher being misled by the limitations of this method are also disadvantages. Metasynthesis has particular application in various fields and disciplines such as medical and health sciences, social sciences, humanities and behavioral sciences. Metasynthesis, as a powerful method in qualitative research, allows researchers to answer complex questions and gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of social and human phenomena. However, successfully implementing a metasynthesis study requires careful planning, qualitative data analysis skills and familiarity with the methodology of this method.