All programmes > Systematic Reviews: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Systematic Reviews: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (B-KUL-P0T88A)

4 ECTSEnglish18 Second termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Hannes Karin
POC Sociologie

Aims

This course is designed to provide participants with the fundamental background and skills required to conduct a systematic review of qualitative research evidence. The course uses an interdisciplinary approach to build capacity in the design, conduct, and reporting of qualitative evidence synthesis. At the end of this course, the student will be able to conduct a qualitative evidence synthesis building on the insights of how to:

1. Situate qualitative evidence synthesis in the broader context of evidence-based practice and systematic reviews.
2. Develop a review question and protocol.
3. Develop a transparent search strategy.
4. Screen primary qualitative studies, based on a-priori developed in- and exclusion criteria.
5. Critically appraise the methodological quality of qualitative primary studies.
6. Situate different epistemological positions related to systematic review practice.
7. Choose the right approach to synthesis and conduct a qualitative evidence synthesis.

Previous knowledge

Course participants who enroll in this masterclass need to show proof of the completion of at least one introductory course on qualitative methods to move to the meta-level of conducting systematic reviews of primary qualitative research evidence.  Practical experience in the conduct of systematic reviews is helpful, however it is not a prerequisite for participating in this course event. PhD students looking for training opportunities are suggested to check the FLAMES website (flames-statistics.com).

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

4 ects. Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (B-KUL-P0T88a)

4 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture18 Second term
Hannes Karin
POC Sociologie

Content

The course will outline a stepwise approach to conducting a systematic review of qualitative research evidence. Each of these steps will be translated into strategies to be considered for qualitative evidence syntheses. The student will be introduced to different approaches to synthesizing qualitative research evidence that determine the nature of the search strategy, critical appraisal of primary qualitative research studies and analytical techniques. Featured examples are drawn from the field of public health, education and social welfare topics. We will provide guidance to students on how to choose the right approach to synthesizing qualitative literature and how to report on a qualitative evidence synthesis project. We will showcase worked examples of different approaches to synthesis and address epistemological positions related to the conduct of systematic reviews. Students should be knowledgeable of qualitative research methodology in terms of basic designs, methods and techniques before they enter this class. 

Course material

Cf. TOLEDO
Online knowledge clips and videos
Slides & study material
List of recommended and optional literature.
Online Interactive Board

Language of instruction: more information

English

Format: more information

This global masterclass is scheduled as a joint transdisciplinary course program at KU Leuven (Belgium) and Stellenbosch University (South-Africa).

Our international course will be offered as an online module. Teaching sessions are delivered through online learning which will include interactive eLearning, recorded lectures, integrated polls, activities, plenary discussions, webinars, interactive learning boards, and where appropriate a small number of locally organized workshop sessions. Participants are able to access and work with the course material at their own leisure from home, but should be available during exchange moments to make the most out of this interdisciplinary and intercultural learning experience. We will include live chats with facilitators where students can ask questions, clear muddy points and engage in conversation with peers about the content.

Evaluation

Evaluation: Systematic Reviews: Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (B-KUL-P2T88a)

Type : Continuous assessment without exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Paper/Project
Learning material : Course material

Explanation


Evaluation characteristics

Students will write a paper that can take the form of a review protocol or a mini-synthesis on a self-chosen methodological topic discussed during course hours and critically re-assessed. The total score is based on this individual research paper and on active participation of the participant in classes. A student passes the exam when the total score on the paper is at least 10/20. The submission date and guidelines for the paper will be communicated via the learning platforms of participating universities. If the paper is not submitted or submitted late, this results in an NA (non-attendance). Absence from class should be motivated in advanced or evidenced (e.g. by a doctor’s advice). Illegitimate periods of absence will result in an NA (non-attendance).

 

Determination of the final result

The total score is based on an individual research paper. A student passes when the total score is at least 10/20. 

 

Second examination opportunity

In case of a second examination opportunity, students can prepare a new paper, or improve their previous paper. Further conditions are the same as those of the first examination opportunity. If they choose to improve, changes should be motivated in a response letter to the didactical team. It is the level of depth of the response and the revision that will determine the final score. Submission modalities and guidelines on the paper are the same as those of the first examination opportunity.