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Abstract
In this paper we discuss mixing methods at the level of reviews of research, combining the findings of multiple, already existing, studies that are labelled broadly as using either ‘qualitative’ or ‘quantitative’ methods. We define systematic reviews and outline the ‘mixed methods’ we have developed for combining diverse study types within them. Traditional systematic reviews usually answer a single question, use one type of study and, hence, only require one method of synthesis to combine the findings of studies. Our methods involve conducting three types of synthesis: (1) a statistical meta‐analysis to pool trials of interventions tackling a particular health, social or educational problem; (2) a synthesis of studies examining people’s perspectives or experiences of that problem using qualitative analysis; and (3) a mixed methods synthesis bringing the products of (1) and (2) together. We discuss the strengths of these mixed methods at the review level, reflect on their lessons for the concept of ‘triangulation’ and raise questions about the utility of the terms ‘qualitative’ and ‘quantitative’ and ‘mixed methods’ for classifying different types of research.
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Ann Oakley and Rebecca Rees for providing helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper and to our discussions with other colleagues at the EPPI‐Centre involved in developing and testing methods for integrating diverse study types into systematic reviews. The programmes of work described in this paper are funded by the Department of Health (England), the Department for Education and Skills (England) and the Teacher Training Agency (England). Angela Harden holds a senior‐level research scientist award in research synthesis from the Department of Health (England). The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the funding agencies.
Notes
Angela Harden is conducting a programme of research to develop the evidence base about social and educational interventions to promote young people’s health. James Thomas has worked at the EPPI‐Centre since it was established in 1995 and is responsible for writing, managing and supporting systematic reviews.