T-pattern detection in the scientific literature of this century: A systematic review

M Teresa Anguera; Gudberg K Jonsson; Elena Escolano-Pérez; Carmen Rosa Sánchez-Lopez; José Luis Losada; Mariona Portell

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1085980

T-pattern detection in the scientific literature of this century: A systematic review

Front Psychol. 2023 Mar 1:14:1085980. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1085980. eCollection 2023.

Authors

M Teresa Anguera¹, Gudberg K Jonsson², Elena Escolano-Pérez³, Carmen Rosa Sánchez-Lopez⁴, José Luis Losada⁵, Mariona Portell⁶

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
² Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
³ Faculty of Education, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
⁴ Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, University of La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain.
⁵ Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
⁶ Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.

Abstract

Introduction: Scientific literature contains mainly systematic reviews focused on substantial aspects, but there are also approaches that have combined both substantial and methodological aspects, which is our preferred option since it undeniably adds value. The aims of this study were: (1) to carry out a systematic review of the literatura on T-Pattern analysis (TPA), and (2) to explore the possible contribution of mixed methods research to the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements on a synthesis level.

Methods: Based on PRISMA guidelines, searches were carried out in the Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The general search syntax was: "THEME" AND ("T-Patterns" OR "T Patterns") carried out in title, keywords and abstract. In addition, we included empirical articles on THEME and T-Patterns collected in other sources based on citations in several empirical works and consultations with different authors. This selection process resulted in 125 primary documents making up this systematic review.

Results: The results showed that the detection of structures in behavior patterns forms a nexus between studies carried out in very diverse fields and contexts. Most studies are observational, whilst the applicability and power of T-Pattern detection are extraordinary. It allows the researcher to go deeper in a robust analysis that responds to the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements which constitutes the leit motive of mixed methods; and also to discover the deep, hidden structure that underlies the respective databases, regardless of the methodology used in each study. The possibilities in assigning parameters notably increase the options for obtaining results and their interpretation.

Discussion: It is relevant the extraordinary strength and applicability of T-pattern detection. There is a high presence of T-pattern detection and analysis in studies using observational methodology. It is necessary commit to consolidating the methodological analysis of selected works, as taking individual and collective responsibility for improving methodological quality of TPA studies, taking advantage of the resources provided by the THEME program.

Keywords: PRISMA guidelines; T-pattern; THEME; TPA; mixed methods; systematic review.

Grants and funding

All authors gratefully acknowledged the support of a Spanish government sub-project Integration ways between qualitative and quantitative data, multiple case development, and synthesis review as main axis for an innovative future in physical activity and sports research [PGC2018-098742-B-C31] (2019-2021) (Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Programa Estatal de Generación de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento Científico y Tecnológico del Sistema I + D + i), that was part of the coordinated project New approach of research in physical activity and sport from mixed methods perspective (NARPAS_MM) [SPGC201800 × 098742CV0]. Also, all authors gratefully acknowledged the support of a Spanish government project Integración entre datos observacionales y datos provenientes de sensores externos: Evolución del software LINCE PLUS y desarrollo de la aplicación móvil para la optimización del deporte y la actividad física beneficiosa para la salud [EXP_74847] (2023), Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte, Consejo Superior de Deporte and y Unión Europea. In addition, MTA, JLL, and MP thank the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya Research Group, Grup de Recerca i Innovació en Dissenys (GRID), Tecnología i aplicació multimedia i digital als dissenys observacionals [Grant number 2021 SGR 00718] (2022–2024). Moreover, EE-P acknowledges the support of the Aragon Government Research Group (Grupo de Investigación de Referencia Educación y Diversidad) and the Department of Psychology and Sociology of the University of Zaragoza.