title: Examining theoretical models through research synthesis. The benefits of model-driven meta-analysis.
abstract: Quantitative research synthesis methods can be used to examine theoretical models for substantive research questions. Model-driven syntheses can address more complex questions than have typically been addressed in quantitative reviews in a more systematic and organized manner than in a traditional narrative review. A rationale and set of objectives for syntheses involving models are reviewed. The author describes how to incorporate models into each stage of a review, outlining problems and limitations that may arise at each stage. Examples from several model-driven syntheses illustrate the points made in the article.
authors.affiliation: Michigan State University, USA.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Becker
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008962:Models, Theoretical