Methods for Research Synthesis (join a waiting list)
Date:
03/03/2016 - 04/03/2016
Organised by:
University of Southampton
Presenter:
Alison O’Mara-Eves is a Senior Researcher at the EPPI-Centre, UCL Institute of Education, London. She has over 12 years of experience in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses across a range of policy and practice areas in different disciplines, mostly related to public health and education. Alison specialises in developing and testing methods for research synthesis, with a particular interest in quantitative analysis including statistical meta-analysis.
Level:
Intermediate (some prior knowledge)
Contact:
Jacqui Thorp
Training and Capacity Building Co-ordinator
NCRM, University of Southampton
Tel: 02380504069
Email: jmh6@soton.ac.uk
Description:
PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE WAS POSTPONED FROM SEPTEMBER 2015
This course will explore the theory and practice of the synthesis of social research, with a particular focus on the complexity that is inherent in any social context. Since decision-makers ask questions that can be answered by many different types of research, we will explore the role of the research question in driving the selection of the synthesis method. We will emphasise the importance of checking that the synthesis method and the evidence included in the review are fit for the purpose of addressing the question by exploring issues such as the critical appraisal of the primary studies and the robustness of the synthesis findings. We will cover a range of synthesis types, concentrating on meta-analysis to answer "what works?" questions; meta ethnography and thematic synthesis to answer questions concerning people's experiences and perceptions; and mixed methods synthesis to address broader or multicomponent questions. The course will include activities throughout.
The course covers:
- The purpose and characteristics of different types of synthesis
- Critically appraising social research
- An introduction to calculating effect sizes and the basics of carrying out a meta-analysis
- The foundations of ‘translating’ findings between papers and synthesising qualitative research and theory
- An introduction to mixed methods synthesis
By the end of the course participants will:
- Be aware of the range of methods for research synthesis and their different characteristics and purposes
- Understand the importance of critically appraising social research in the synthesis process
- Understand how to prepare data for and carry out a basic meta-analysis
- Have an understanding of the principles and processes associated with synthesising qualitative research and theory
- Understand some of the ways in which different types of research might be combined, and when this can be appropriate and useful
- Appreciate the importance of fit for purpose synthesis
The course is designed for graduates and experienced policy-makers, practitioners, managers and researchers wanting to become skilled in synthesis methods. Participants should be familiar with social research methods and have some knowledge of systematic review methods.
Cost:
The fee per teaching day is:
• £30 per day for UK/EU registered students
• £60 per day for staff at UK/EU academic institutions, UK/EU Research Councils researchers, UK/EU public sector staff and staff at UK/EU registered charity organisations and recognised UK/EU research institutions.
• £220 per day for all other participants.
All fees include event materials, lunch, morning and afternoon tea. They do not include travel and accommodation costs.
Website and registration:
Region:
Wales
Keywords:
Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Systematic review , Meta-ethnography , Thematic synthesis
Related publications and presentations:
Meta-Analysis
Systematic Review