meta analysis

Question 1

what is meta-analysis

Answer 1

• a form of research using secondary data from a large number of studies
• combining and analysing the data

Question 2

qualitative approach to meta-analysis

Answer 2

research may discuss findings and conclusions of the study in the meta-analysis

Question 3

quantitative approach to meta-analysis

Answer 3

the research may statistically analysis the data from several studies calculating the overall effect size

Question 4

strength of meta-analysis

Answer 4

• analysing results from groups of studies can allow for more reliable, valid conclusions to be drawn
• allows us to reach an overall conclusion by having a statistic to represent the findings of different studies
• the conclusions are more reliable, valid because they are based on a wide sample of participants covering a large area of occupations, gender, age and culture
• allows us to recognise trends

Question 5

limitations of meta-analysis

Answer 5

• the research designs in the different studies may vary considerably
• the studies may not be truly comparable
• conclusions drawn from meta-analysis may not always be valid