Framework Synthesis
Method Briefing
Tasks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Choose a Best Fit Framework
Extract Data to a Framework, flagging “Non Fit” Data
Quality Assessment Using ScHARR Collection and Analysis Tool
Identify New Themes Inductively
Look for Relationships between Themes – Creating a New Model
Choosing a Framework
Briefly look through the four “models” provided, Compare them with the
Abstract and Findings from your supplied articles. Work in Pairs to decide
which Model seems the Best Fit to the Data. Discuss with other members
giving reasons for your choice.
Extracting to a Framework
For illustrative purposes we shall be using the Social Cognitive Theory Model
for our Data Extraction.
 Code data extracts according to framework by entering framework code
in right-hand column
Note:
Data may be assigned more than 1 theme; If No code “fits” the data,
enter “New theme” into right-hand column
 Individual task
 Compare with neighbour;
 Discussion of results and experiences
Quality Assessment – Collection & Analysis Tool
Using the Collection and Analysis Tool as provided, work in small groups to
conduct a quality assessment of one of the three articles. Make sure that each
of the three articles is covered within your small group.
Pre-Lunch Feedback (5 mins per group + 5 mins facilitator)
Lunch
Method Re-Briefing
You Have Already:
1. Chosen a Best Fit Framework
2. Extracted Data to a Framework, flagging “Non Fit” Data
3. Quality Assessed Using ScHARR Collection and Analysis Tool
Now You Are Going To:
4. Identify New Themes Inductively
5. Look for Relationships between Themes – Creating a New Model
Handling New Themes Inductively
Develop and assign new themes to extracts and enter them in the right-hand
column on Handout 1
 Individual Task
 Compare with Neighbour
Discussion of Results and Experiences
Tea Break
Synthesis & Analysis – Constructing a Model
1. Go beyond framework to create new conceptual model or theory. It will
be helpful to consider:
 Any concepts that typically precede another (ANTECEDENTS)
 Any concepts that typically follow another (DESCENDANTS)
 Any concepts that naturally occur with each other (SYNERGIES)
 Any tensions/conflicts between concepts (ANTAGONISMS)
 Any exceptions to the “rule” (DISCONFIRMING CASES)
2. Revisit data to explore relationships between themes or findings of
framework
3. One member of group will be required to introduce original
model/framework, the new model/framework and explain how group
got from former to latter – Prepare 10 minute presentation
Thematic Synthesis (as exemplified by Meta-Ethnography)
Method Briefing
Tasks:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Extract Data
Create Themes
Quality Assessment Using CASP Qualitative Checklist
Look for Reciprocal Translation and Redundancy of Themes
Arrange Themes According to “Line of Argument”
Look for Relationships between Themes – Create a Model or “Theory”
Identifying Themes
Extracting Data & Reciprocal Translation
Quality Assessment - CASP
Pre-Lunch Feedback (5 mins per group + 5 mins facilitator)
Lunch
Method Re-Briefing
You have already:
1. Extracted Data
2. Created Themes
3. Quality Assessed Using CASP Qualitative Checklist
Now you will:
4. Look for Reciprocal Translation and Redundancy of Themes
5. Arrange Themes According to “Line of Argument”
6. Look for Relationships between Themes – Create a Model or “Theory”
Conceptual Development – Line of Argument
Practical – across papers – translating studies into one another (25 mins)
 Compare concepts with those from other papers and conduct translation
between studies, i.e. first stage of synthesis – might be reciprocal and/or
refutational.
 Did studies cover same concepts?
 Did they contradict / refute concepts in another study?
 What did your study cover not in others?
 Why might this be?
Decide on list of final concepts for your group and enter these onto large PostIts
Conceptual Development – Line of Argument
Arrange concepts into what you consider to be a natural order, Start by
clustering concepts, then examine relationships within a cluster of concepts.
How to construct relationships between themes , i.e. synthesising translations
Tea Break
Synthesis & Analysis – Examining Relationships
 Each group to discuss relationships between their concepts and
synthesise these translations to create a view of the phenomenon
 Large Post-its on flip-charts, linked by relationships (20 minutes)
 One member of group will be required to explain the synthesis –
Prepare 10 minute presentation
1. It will be helpful to consider:
 Any concepts that typically precede another (ANTECEDENTS)
 Any concepts that typically follow another (DESCENDANTS)
 Any concepts that naturally occur with each other (SYNERGIES)
 Any tensions/conflicts between concepts (ANTAGONISMS)

Any exceptions to the “rule” (DISCONFIRMING CASES)