Meta Analysis

Question 1

What is a Systematic Review?

Answer 1

A means of identifying, evaluating and interpreting all available research relevant to a particular research question or topic area

It critiques the extent, nature, and quality of evidence in relation to a particular research question.

Question 2

What does a Systematic Review aim to do?

Answer 2

Synthesize studies to draw broad theoretical conclusions about what a literature means

It links theory to evidence and evidence to theory.

Question 3

Define Meta-analysis.

Answer 3

A research methodology that aims to quantitatively integrate the results of a set of empirical studies about a given topic

It allows for a statistical analysis of combined data from multiple studies.

Question 4

What is one purpose of evaluating meta-analysis?

Answer 4

To review studies and reach an overall conclusion

This helps to identify if studies have contradictory results and whether they are truly comparable.

Question 5

True or false: A meta-analysis allows us to reach an overall conclusion even if the studies aren’t truly comparable.

Answer 5

TRUE

This indicates that putting all studies together to calculate one effect size may not always be appropriate.

Question 6

What may affect the validity of conclusions drawn from a meta-analysis?

Answer 6

• Studies may have contradictory results
• Studies aren’t truly comparable
• Sample size may not be appropriate

These factors can lead to conclusions that haven’t always been valid.