LENS — Layered Epistemological and Narrative Synthesis

LENS is a pre-registered, six-layer qualitative analytic methodology for dyadic encounter research. It addresses a confirmed gap in the literature: no published framework combines dual independent readers with declared epistemological positions, systematic divergence logging (treating disagreement as data rather than error), dyadic reading within Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Conversation Analysis as a sequential convergence layer, and physiological triangulation in a single pre-registered protocol (Parks et al., 2025, 112-study scoping review, DOI: 10.1186/s12874-025-02722-y; Van Grootel & Haven, 2019, DOI: 10.1080/08989621.2019.1580147). Developed within the FRIEND feasibility trial (osf.io/4c28b) as part of the DYAD research programme (osf.io/s8wf3), LENS is designed to be generalisable across any study collecting dyadic qualitative data — including peer support, mentoring, befriending, and brief therapeutic encounters in health, social care, and higher education contexts. The core framework (Layers 1–3) requires no specialist equipment. Modular extensions add Conversation Analysis convergence (Layer 4), HRV triangulation (Layer 5), and psychometric triangulation via DESI-18 (Layer 6). All protocols, positionality statements, and divergence log templates are publicly archived and pre-registered prior to analysis. LENS methodology development is targeted for submission to the NIHR Better Methods, Better Research (BMBR) programme. DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/RM6WX Parent programme: DYAD — Dyadic Inquiry, Analysis, and Design (osf.io/s8wf3) Lead: Vince J. de Blauwe | ORCID: 0009-0004-8975-6249