Abstract
AbstractMeta-analysis is quantitative synthesis of the results of different studies addressing questions about the same thing in comparable ways, and is part of the general area of research synthesis. It depends on expressing the results of different studies on a common scale, and combining the results by weighting studies by the precision by which they estimate the effect of interest. Research synthesis, the application of the scientific method to summarizing evidence on a scientific question, includes both meta-analysis and systematic reviews. Systematic reviews are unbiased, reproducible literature searches carried out according to clearly specified criteria for searching and selection of evidence. Meta-regression is a term used for meta-analyses where the effects of one or more covariates (moderators) on the outcomes across studies are modeled. Meta-analysis and meta-regression can be used to determine the mean effect across studies, its confidence limits and heterogeneity, and the influence of moderators. This chapter discusses how to carry out and interpret the results of meta-analysis, exploratory and sensitivity analyses, the strengths and limitations of, and objections to, meta-analysis, and common errors in conducting research syntheses.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
