Bringing the Review of Literature into the Age of Quantification: Meta-Analysis as a Strategy for Integrating Research Findings in Family Studies

Abstract

The importance of the review of literature as a part of the research process is discussed. Meta-analysis, a quantitative approach to summarizing the research findings in an area, is described, and the approach is illustrated by presenting a metaanalysis of research on the effectiveness of the Minnesota Couple Communication Program. Advantages and disadvantages of meta-analysis are highlighted by comparing the conclusions reached from the meta-analysis with conclusions reached jfrom both a traditional and a voting method review of the same research literature. Even though meta-analysis is a complex approach, it has definite advantages in elucidating small, consistent effects, in yielding more complete information about an area of research, and in offering increased flexibility to the reviewer. It offers a means of summarizing a complex literature that is particularly valuable in family studies, an area of research in which methodology, group size, and other research parameters vary widely.