Meta Analysis

Question 1

Meta analysis

A01- when is it used

Answer 1

• Research examines the results of previous studies, carrying out statistical analysis to assess the effect or direction of the data
• Scientists want to know the answer to a question studied in great detail= meta analysis- the pooling of data from multiple studies to arrive at one combined answer/overall conclusion
• Method often used when multiple smaller studies have been conducted and an overall conclusion is needed.
• Link to clinical= In clinical there may have been a range of different studies consider effectiveness of particular treatment- meta analysis provides a stronger conclusion about this

Question 2

Meta analysis

A01- How it is used

Answer 2

• The answers meta-analysis comes up with can guide the field but also may stop scientists looking at questions relating to what meta analysis was about
• Aim= to find patterns, it is important data collected from studies that use similar methods in order for it to be comparable
• Should only include studies that have SOUND METHODOLOGY, so that just the best evidence is pulled together into an overall analysis= best evidence synthesis
• Used studies from variety of places, cultures and times= all tested the same area; allows large amount of information to be gathered from an extensive overall sample size, without having to conduct any primary research
• Link to clinical= in clinical psych examples include effectiveness of treatments across different patient groups, generally focuses on effect sizes. Such as a meta analysis on effectiveness of CBT will focus on size of the effect of CBT found by all the research gathered

Question 3

Meta analysis

A01- Carlsson et al (1999)

Answer 3

• Used a meta analysis to pool together research investigating the impact of various neurotransmitters on SZ and therefore conclude about appropriate treatments and the need for further developments
• Study used a range of previous research including animal studies demonstrating NT function and related brain structure, studies with SZ patients and studies assessing the effectiveness of different treatments

Question 4

Meta-analysis

Evaluation: Generalisability A03

Answer 4

Strength-
Meta analysis can be considered high in generalisability due to the pooling of data from a range of studies together in analysis. These studies will likely be varied and included different samples, allowing the conclusion to be generalisable as the research is representative of a wide population.

Question 5

Meta-analysis

Evaluation:
Validity A03

Answer 5

Strength-
Meta analysis use of secondary data from multiple studies improves the validity as analysis occurs with a wealth of varied data. The data has come from a range of measures, likely including both qualitative and quantitative data further strengthening the validity of the conclusion

Question 6

Meta-analysis

Evaluation:
Experimenter Bias A03

Answer 6

Weakness-
However meta analysis can be prone to subjectivity. The selection of secondary data by the researchers can be problematic for the validity of the conclusion as the researchers are aware of the aim of the study. Therefore, certain studies which support their aim may be chosen, implying an element of experimenter bias, reducing the validity of the conclusion

Question 7

Meta-analysis

Evaluation:
Implications to society A03

Answer 7

Weakness-
To maintain credibility Meta analysis only uses published work, however this could be detrimental to the study as it neglects newer, more up to date research potentially with significant findings which would alter the conclusion of the study. This is particularly problematic considering the consequences to society, new research could find a treatments don’t work long term or produces harmful side effects, which wouldn’t be considered in the analysis.