Systematic Reviews: Meta-Analysis, Qualitative Synthesis, Mixed Methods Synthesis (Online)

During this course you'll cover:

• statistical methods for synthesis in systematic reviews, including data extraction and calculating effect sizes, heterogeneity, and statistical model
• the synthesis of ‘qualitative’ research, including data extraction, the ‘translation’ of concepts, and ‘line of argument’ synthesis
• the role and methods of quality assessment, including separating ‘quality’ and ‘relevance’, and quality in the context of a study and a systematic review
• combining different types of study in the same synthesis (both statistical and narrative approaches)
• developing a critical understanding of the role that different methods of synthesis can play

This course is run in an online format and you'll study entirely at a distance.

You'll study individually and with other students, using the course virtual learning environment (VLE).

Every one or two weeks, you'll cover a new course ‘unit’ where you'll carry out a set of learning activities. You can carry out these activities at your own pace and at times of your own choosing as long as you complete the specified tasks by the deadlines set.

Typical activities include:

• reading a journal article or book chapter and identifying key themes
• critically appraising reports of qualitative and quantitative research
• using software to practice meta-analysis and key stages in the synthesis of ‘qualitative’ research
• drafting short summaries on a topic, sometimes on your own, sometimes with fellow students
• posting comments and observations on your own reading and learning and providing feedback to other students