Qualitative metascience? – Research-on-research and team science in the meta context
Taru Silvonen
(University of Bristol)
Ges Rosenberg
(University of Bristol)
Short abstract
Metascience can be more than quantitative metrics and models. This paper makes the case for the use of qualitative data, focusing on research-on-research as a ‘meta’-approach. We propose longitudinal qualitative analysis as a novel approach to R-o-R and interdisciplinary team science.
Long abstract
Metascience is frequently associated with statistical analysis, metrics and quantitative modelling. Complementary to this however, qualitative data provides different and additional insights which can increase the explanatory potential metascience and therefore should not be overlooked. This paper makes the case for the use of qualitative data, more specifically the insights it can offer as a component of an overall metascience, research-on-research method. Drawing on qualitative data collected through three rounds of interviews and workshops with research consortium members during a six-year research programme, this paper shares learnings regarding the operationalisation of effective inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) team working.
TRUUD, Tackling Root Causes Upstream of Unhealthy Urban Development, is a six-year research consortium bringing together over 40 academics across six UK universities. Focusing on the prevention of non-communicable diseases through urban development, the consortium draws on expertise across several disciplines and stakeholders. This has provided an opportunity to increase the understanding of team working in the context of effective and efficient ITD research. Three rounds of interviews and workshops with TRUUD members were carried out 1-1.5 years apart to inform the research-on-research findings discussed in this paper. Theoretically our approach is anchored in team science and science of team science literature. The analytical framework combines systems thinking with longitudinal qualitative analysis to observe development of behaviour in the context of ITD in a complex team setting. We show the value of this approach and encourage others in the metascience community to engage with and build on qualitative research-on-research.
Accepted Paper
Short abstract
Long abstract
Metascience is frequently associated with statistical analysis, metrics and quantitative modelling. Complementary to this however, qualitative data provides different and additional insights which can increase the explanatory potential metascience and therefore should not be overlooked. This paper makes the case for the use of qualitative data, more specifically the insights it can offer as a component of an overall metascience, research-on-research method. Drawing on qualitative data collected through three rounds of interviews and workshops with research consortium members during a six-year research programme, this paper shares learnings regarding the operationalisation of effective inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) team working.
TRUUD, Tackling Root Causes Upstream of Unhealthy Urban Development, is a six-year research consortium bringing together over 40 academics across six UK universities. Focusing on the prevention of non-communicable diseases through urban development, the consortium draws on expertise across several disciplines and stakeholders. This has provided an opportunity to increase the understanding of team working in the context of effective and efficient ITD research. Three rounds of interviews and workshops with TRUUD members were carried out 1-1.5 years apart to inform the research-on-research findings discussed in this paper. Theoretically our approach is anchored in team science and science of team science literature. The analytical framework combines systems thinking with longitudinal qualitative analysis to observe development of behaviour in the context of ITD in a complex team setting. We show the value of this approach and encourage others in the metascience community to engage with and build on qualitative research-on-research.
Methods mash: expanding the tools of metascience
Session 1 Tuesday 1 July, 2025, -