ABSTRACT

Meta-study is a method for analysing the content and the process of knowledge production in a body of qualitative research. Conducting a meta-study involves four steps: (1) meta-data-analysis which involves the study of empirical findings; (2) meta-method which examines the epistemological soundness and rigour of methods; (3) meta-theory which examines the structures, assumptions, and principles underpinning the primary research studies; and (4) meta-synthesis which brings the three steps together and considers the plausibility of existing accounts, what has been neglected, and what new avenues have been opened for advancing knowledge. Qualitative researchers in sport and exercise psychology (SEP) have recently started using meta-study to examine bodies of qualitative research in various areas including positive youth development, junior-to-senior transition, athletic identity and mental toughness development. Our review shows that meta-study has been a useful method for demonstrating how methodological developments have influenced how qualitative researchers apply methods and conceptualise the phenomena of interest. However, there have been diverse applications of meta-study and, in the absence of recent updates on the method, meta-study is in danger of remaining underdeveloped or becoming outdated. Based on the review, we outline guidelines for SEP scholars to employ meta-study rigorously.

摘要

元研究是在定性研究的主体中分析知识生产的内容和过程的方法。进行元研究涉及四个步骤：（1）元数据分析，涉及对实证结果的研究；(2) 检验方法的认识论健全性和严谨性的元方法；(3) 元理论，检查支撑主要研究的结构、假设和原则；(4) 综合综合这三个步骤，并考虑现有说明的合理性、被忽视的内容以及为推进知识开辟了哪些新途径。运动和运动心理学 (SEP) 的定性研究人员最近开始使用元研究来检查各个领域的定性研究机构，包括积极的青年发展、初级到高级的过渡，运动身份和心理韧性的发展。我们的审查表明，元研究一直是一种有用的方法，可以证明方法论的发展如何影响定性研究人员如何应用方法和概念化感兴趣的现象。然而，元研究有多种应用，并且由于该方法没有最近的更新，元研究有保持不发达或过时的危险。基于审查，我们概述了 SEP 学者严格使用元研究的指南。元研究有各种各样的应用，并且在没有对该方法最近的更新的情况下，元研究有保持不发达或过时的危险。基于审查，我们概述了 SEP 学者严格使用元研究的指南。元研究有各种各样的应用，并且在没有对该方法最近的更新的情况下，元研究有保持不发达或过时的危险。基于审查，我们概述了 SEP 学者严格使用元研究的指南。