README file for 'Chapter_2_Meta_Aggregation_Extracted_Findings_and_Synthesis.xlsx'

Dataset DOI: https://doi.org/10.5258/SOTON/PG/D283

README Author: Lawrence Taylor, University of Southampton
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5751-3291

This dataset supports the thesis entitled:
“Perspectives from Care to Classroom: Non-Kinship Foster Carers’ Views on Education and Teenagers-in-Care’s Lived Experiences of Academic Resilience”

AWARDED BY: University of Southampton
DATE OF AWARD: 2026

Date of data collection/generation:
The search strategy was conducted from March to April 2024. Data extraction was undertaken from May to September 2024.

Information about geographic location of data collection: Not applicable to the researcher-generated dataset itself, as this dataset was generated through a systematic review of existing published research. The included studies were conducted in the United States, England, and Norway, as reported in Chapter 2 of the thesis.

Licence: Open licence.

Related projects/Funders:
This research was completed as part of a DfE-funded Educational Psychology Doctorate at the University of Southampton.

DATA & FILE OVERVIEW

This dataset contains researcher-generated materials developed during a meta-aggregative systematic review of non-kinship foster carers’ perspectives on foster children’s education. The dataset does not contain full-text copies of the included studies. These remain the copyrighted works of their original authors and publishers. Full bibliographic details for the included studies are provided in the thesis.

The dataset contains:

'Chapter_2_Meta_Aggregation_Extracted_Findings_and_Synthesis.xlsx'
This Excel workbook contains the extracted findings and corresponding illustrations from the included studies, alongside the researcher-generated organisation of findings into categories, synthesised findings, and ConQual assessment materials.

The workbook contains the following sheets:

Spreadsheet overview
This sheet provides a brief guide to the purpose of each sheet in the workbook.

Original extracted data
This sheet contains the original extracted findings and corresponding illustrations from the included studies before further organisation into categories and synthesised findings.

Syntheses categories findings
This sheet shows the working process used to organise extracted findings into categories, sub-categories, and synthesised findings. It includes researcher-generated grouping, numbering, colour coding, and notes used to support the meta-aggregation process.

Meta aggregation synthesis
This sheet presents the final synthesised findings and the categories that contributed to each synthesised finding, alongside brief descriptions of each synthesis and category.

ConQual calculations
This sheet contains the calculations used to support the ConQual assessment, including dependability and credibility ratings and the number of findings contributing to each category and synthesised finding.

Summary of Findings Table
This sheet presents the summary of findings table developed from the meta-aggregative synthesis and ConQual assessment.

Unsupported findings
This sheet records findings that were not included in the final synthesis because they were assessed as unsupported.

Relationship between files, if important for context:
The Excel workbook provides the researcher-generated extraction, synthesis, and audit trail materials for the meta-aggregative systematic review reported in Chapter 2 of the thesis.

Additional related data not included in the current data package:
Full-text copies of included studies are not included in this data package, as these remain subject to copyright. Search records, screening decisions, and further methodological details are reported in the thesis and appendices where relevant.

Derived from another source:
The extracted findings and illustrations were derived from published studies included in the systematic review. Full bibliographic details of the included studies are provided in Chapter 2 of the thesis and the thesis reference list.

METHODOLOGICAL INFORMATION

Description of methods used for collection/generation of data:
The dataset was generated through a meta-aggregative systematic review of qualitative research concerning non-kinship foster carers’ perspectives on foster children’s education. The review followed JBI meta-aggregative principles. The search strategy was conducted from March to April 2024. Data extraction was undertaken from May to September 2024. Findings and corresponding illustrations were extracted from the included studies and organised into categories and synthesised findings. Further details of the review design, search strategy, inclusion criteria, study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis process are provided in Chapter 2 of the thesis.

Methods for processing the data:
Findings and illustrations were extracted from the included studies and entered into an Excel workbook. Each finding was reviewed alongside its supporting illustration. Findings were then grouped into categories and synthesised findings through a meta-aggregative process. Findings that were not sufficiently supported by their accompanying illustration were recorded separately and were not included in the final synthesis. Dependability and credibility assessments were used to support the ConQual assessment presented in the review.

Software-specific information needed to interpret the data:
Microsoft Excel was used to organise extracted findings, illustrations, categories, synthesised findings, and ConQual calculations. No specialist software is required to interpret the workbook beyond spreadsheet software capable of opening .xlsx files.


Describe any quality-assurance procedures performed on the data:
Extracted findings were checked against their corresponding illustrations. Credibility ratings were applied to assess the level of support between each finding and illustration. Unsupported findings were recorded separately and excluded from the final synthesis. Dependability and credibility assessments were used to support the ConQual rating process. The workbook was also reviewed for consistency of sheet names, explanatory notes, and readability.

People involved with sample collection, processing, analysis and/or submission:
Lawrence Taylor was responsible for data extraction, organisation, synthesis, ConQual calculations, preparation of the workbook, and submission of the dataset.

DATA-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Data file:
Chapter_2_Meta_Aggregation_Extracted_Findings_and_Synthesis.xlsx

Number of variables:
Not applicable. The workbook contains qualitative extracted findings, illustrations, researcher-generated categories, synthesised findings, and ConQual assessment materials rather than a fixed set of numerical variables.

Number of cases/rows:
Not applicable as a fixed case-based dataset. Rows represent extracted findings, illustrations, categories, calculations, or synthesis materials depending on the worksheet.

Variable list, defining any abbreviations, units of measure, codes or symbols used:
FP = foster parent.
FC = foster child.
T = teacher.
S = staff.
JBI = Joanna Briggs Institute.
ConQual = confidence in the output of qualitative research synthesis.
Dep = dependability.
Cred = credibility.
C1 = credible finding.
C2 = unequivocal finding.
U = unsupported finding.

Missing data codes:
Not applicable.

Specialised formats or other abbreviations used:
Colour coding and numbered columns were used during analysis to support organisation, grouping, and checking. These visual features form part of the researcher’s audit trail. Explanatory notes are included within the workbook where needed.

Date that the file was created: May 2026.


