METHODOLOGIES IN METASYNTHESIS

Abstract

This article presents the product of the bibliographical revision about the methodologies used to develop met synthesis. Authors like Jensen and Allen (1994, 1996), Noblit (1984), Kearney (1988), Torne (1991, 1994), and Sandelowski (1995a, 1997) agree that this method constitutes a rigorous analysis, interpretation, and integration exercise of the qualitative study results that are trying to give more validity to primary investigations and strengthen the discipline body of knowledge by documenting the scientific evidences that are orienting the practice. Although there are different ways to realize that met synthesis, one may conclude that it is important to define the potential and the analysis goal that is to obtain. This indicates that despite which method or technique one selects, the true essence of the met synthesis is comprised of constant comparison of data, the interpretation of the results, and the integration of those findings.