Joint displays for qualitative-quantitative synthesis in mixed methods reviews

Abstract

Mixed methods reviews offer an excellent approach to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative evidence to generate more robust implications for practice, research, and policymaking. There are limited guidance and practical examples concerning the methods for adequately synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research findings in mixed reviews. This paper aims to illustrate the application and use of joint displays for qualitative and quantitative synthesis in mixed methods reviews. We used joint displays to synthesize and integrate qualitative and quantitative research findings in a segregated mixed methods review about male nursing students' challenges and experiences. In total, 36 qualitative, six quantitative, and one mixed-methods study was appraised and synthesized in the review. First, the qualitative and quantitative findings were analyzed and synthesized separately. The synthesized findings were integrated through tabular and visual joint displays at two levels of integration. At the first level, a statistics theme display was developed to compare the synthesized qualitative and quantitative findings and the number of studies from which the findings were generated. At the second level, the synthesized qualitative and quantitative findings supported by each other were integrated to identify confirmed, discordant, and expanded inferences using generalizing theme display. The use of two displays allowed in a robust and comprehensive synthesis of studies. Joint displays could serve as an excellent method for rigorous and transparent synthesis of qualitative and quantitative findings and the generation of adequate and relevant inferences in mixed methods reviews.