title: Meta-analysis as a tool for understanding existing research literature.
abstract: This article describes the rationale for and methods used in conducting meta-analyses in rehabilitation research. Advantages and disadvantages of meta-analysis, vis a vis the narrative and quantitative literature reviews described in previous articles, are discussed. Hypothetical and actual examples from the rehabilitation and related health sciences fields are used to illustrate points throughout the text.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational Foundations & Special Services, Kent State University, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Shawn M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Phillip D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Rumrill
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*