Meta-analysis techniques.
The three elements of meta-analysis include exact specification of sources from which primary studies are identified; transformation of primary study findings to a common metric; and statistical analysis of primary study findings. Meta-analysis has several drawbacks, such as dependence on the quality of the reporting of primary analysis findings; dependence on sufficient numbers of eligible studies to justify statistical analysis; a lack of a universal common metric; and a lack of expert agreement about the best form of statistical analysis. As researchers become more familiar with meta-analysis, two effects will be seen: an increased use of meta-analysis elements in all review of literature, and increased attention to reporting important details of research in scientific journals.
Graney
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MJ
Engle
V F
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D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards