Glossary / Lexicon

A meta-analysis (Plural: meta-analyses) is a statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies. Meta-analyses can be performed when there are multiple scientific studies addressing the same question, with each individual study reporting measurements that are expected to have some degree of error.

Meta-analysis is a statistical technique used in psychology to combine and analyze the results of multiple studies on a particular topic. It involves a systematic review of the literature, followed by a quantitative synthesis of the data from the studies that meet specific criteria for inclusion. Meta-analysis is a powerful tool for summarizing research findings, identifying patterns and trends, and drawing general conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions or the relationships between variables.

One example of a meta-analysis in psychology is a study that examined the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. The study identified multiple studies that met inclusion criteria and used statistical methods to combine the results of these studies. The meta-analysis found that CBT was effective in reducing symptoms of depression across all studies included in the analysis, providing strong evidence for the effectiveness of this treatment approach.

Another example of a meta-analysis in psychology is a study that examined the relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover. The study identified multiple studies that measured both job satisfaction and turnover and used statistical methods to combine the results of these studies. The meta-analysis found a significant negative relationship between job satisfaction and employee turnover, suggesting that higher job satisfaction is associated with lower turnover rates.

Similar to meta-analysis, there are other statistical techniques used in psychology to synthesize and analyze research findings. One such technique is a systematic review, which involves a comprehensive search of the literature on a particular topic, followed by a qualitative synthesis of the data from the studies that meet specific inclusion criteria. Systematic reviews are similar to meta-analyses in that they aim to synthesize research findings, but they do not involve a quantitative synthesis of the data.

Another related technique is a narrative review, which involves a qualitative synthesis of the literature on a particular topic without a formal search strategy or inclusion criteria. Narrative reviews are useful for providing an overview of the literature and identifying areas for future research, but they do not involve a systematic or quantitative analysis of the data.

Finally, there is the concept of effect size, which refers to the magnitude of the relationship between two variables or the strength of the effect of an intervention. Effect size is a key component of meta-analyses, as it allows for the comparison of effect sizes across studies and the identification of moderators of the effect.

In conclusion, meta-analysis is a powerful statistical technique used in psychology to synthesize and analyze research findings from multiple studies on a particular topic. It provides a quantitative synthesis of the data, allowing for the identification of patterns and trends, and can be used to draw general conclusions about the effectiveness of interventions or the relationships between variables. Systematic and narrative reviews are related techniques that are useful for providing qualitative syntheses of the literature, while effect size is a key component of meta-analyses that allows for the comparison of effect sizes across studies. Together, these techniques allow researchers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the literature on a particular topic and make evidence-based recommendations for practice and policy.