Meta Analysis

Question 1

What is meta analysis?

Answer 1

Process of combining results from a number of studies on a particular topic to provide an overall view of that topic

Question 2

What may it involve?

Answer 2

• Qualitative review (as a discussion of findings and conclusions)
• Or a quantitative analysis of the results (performing a statistical analysis of the combined data)

Question 3

What is an effect size?

Answer 3

Gives an overall statistical measure of difference or relationship between variables across a number of studies

Question 4

Strengths

Answer 4

• Larger volume of data
• More varied sample (generalisable across a much larger pop)
• Improved validity
• Using secondary data means less ethical issues

Question 5

Weaknesses

Answer 5

• Prone to publication bias (file drawer problem): may not select all relevant studies, leaving out studies with negative/non-significant results
• Conclusions would be biased
• Using secondary data means we have no knowledge of the accuracy of the data