Which technique is used to combine and summarize results of several studies?

Which technique is used to combine and summarize results of several studies?

• A. Meta-analysis
• B. Narrative Synthesis
• C. Pooled Data Analysis
• D. Descriptive Statistics

Answer: (A)

Meta-analysis combines results from multiple studies to produce a single overall estimate of effect. By systematically identifying relevant research and pooling comparable outcomes, it uses statistical methods to weigh each study by its precision, giving more influence to larger, more precise studies. The result is a summary effect size with a confidence interval, and researchers can assess heterogeneity and choose between fixed-effect or random-effects models. This quantitative synthesis is distinct from narrative synthesis, which describes findings qualitatively, and from descriptive statistics, which summarize data from a single study. Therefore, the technique used to combine and summarize results of several studies is meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis combines results from multiple studies to produce a single overall estimate of effect. By systematically identifying relevant research and pooling comparable outcomes, it uses statistical methods to weigh each study by its precision, giving more influence to larger, more precise studies. The result is a summary effect size with a confidence interval, and researchers can assess heterogeneity and choose between fixed-effect or random-effects models. This quantitative synthesis is distinct from narrative synthesis, which describes findings qualitatively, and from descriptive statistics, which summarize data from a single study. Therefore, the technique used to combine and summarize results of several studies is meta-analysis.