Table 8 Methodological elements of synthesizing normative ethical information
From: Current state of ethics literature synthesis: a systematic review of reviews
Method used | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
Qualitative analysis | In general, the qualitative methods used follow the principles of “coding and categorization” as described for the analysis methods in Table 7. First, normative information is marked under a specific/exclusive “heading” (coding) mainly reflecting the analysis part. Second, these codes are subsumed under more broader/inclusive “headings” (categorizing) mainly reflecting the synthesis part | 1. “In the stage of data combination, all textual obtained data from the selected articles were classified and completely described. After textual data had been extracted and studied critically, the traits were separated and finalized based on the obtained definition for each value or ethical concept and finally a unique definition was obtained.” [46] 2. “Beginning at the level of abstract (when present) and proceeding to the level of full text, we divided the ethical arguments into three categories: arguments in favor of disclosure; arguments opposed to disclosure; and arguments that caution about disclosure […] ” [47] |
Quantitative analysis | Use of mathematical/statistical methods for displaying, e.g., a sampling distribution of topics or a correlation analysis of topics | 1. “An attempt was also made to assess in statistical terms the presence of these topics in research on disability […]“ / ”The statistical summary based on the sample selected shows […]” [32] 2. “From the final cohort of citations that met the rheumatologic and ethical criteria, the proportion addressing each Beauchamp and Childress ethical principle was reported separately. These 4 proportions were analyzed using Cochran’s Q statistic to determine if the rheumatologic/ethical literature favored the treatment of certain ethical principles. […]” [37] |
Narrative or hermeneutical methods | Using methods from traditional humanities that are characterized by searching and defining meaning, reaching deep understanding and merging different perspectives, e.g., by relying on close reading, comparing different texts, taking historical contexts into account, etc. | 1. “Based on a systematic literature review, a hermeneutical analysis focusing the main issues of ethics in child and adolescent psychopharmacology is provided.” [48] 2. “The information contained within relevant articles was collated in the form of a narrative review.” [49] |