From meta-synthesis to hermeneutic review: a PhD student's journey

DiscussionThis presentation will explore how in the context of a PhD study I moved from undertaking a meta-synthesis of the literature to a hermeneutic review. I start by examining the premise and function of literature... [ view full abstract ]

Discussion

This presentation will explore how in the context of a PhD study I moved from undertaking a meta-synthesis of the literature to a hermeneutic review. I start by examining the premise and function of literature reviews, consider the most widely used review approaches and continue by exploring my experience; evidencing my difficulties in relying on accepted ways of reviewing the literature and asserting my belief that the approach adopted must be congruent with the research methodology. I share some of the findings of my review demonstrating the value of reviewing the literature in a more personal and distinctive way; illustrating what would have been lost from my thesis had I not taken a hermeneutic stance. Throughout I draw on the expertise of Smythe and Spence (2012) which enabled me to justify my approach whilst also illuminating the way. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, I argue that the more common approaches to reviewing the literature should not necessarily be the default choice for the qualitative researcher. Instead researchers should consider more carefully and creatively how to review the literature in the design phase of their study ensuring its congruency with their theoretical perspective and methodological approach, and allowing them the potential to engage with all types of art and literature. Doing this will ensure the reader is satisfied that the review method is the best fit for the study and will enable researchers to do more than ‘lay down pre-articulated knowledge, merely to show a gap in the literature, or as a means to argue the catalyst for ongoing research’ as suggested may be the case with a more traditional review by Smythe and Spence (2012, p. 14).

Smythe,E. & Spence, D. 2012, "Re-Viewing Literature in HermeneuticResearch", International Journal of Qualitative Methods, vol. 11,no. 1, pp. 12-25.