A primer for using meta-analysis to consolidate research.
The article provides an introduction to interpreting meta-analysis in the context of synthesizing results of studies that examine the role of culture on drug use behaviors. Topics reviewed include using effect size to indicate the strength of a relationship in a primary study, combining effects in weighted models to yield a summary effect, and understanding how study-level moderators help to explain the heterogeneity in effect dispersion across investigations. The advantages of meta-analytic procedures for consolidating preexisting knowledge are highlighted.
Department of Psychology, Claremont Graduate University , Claremont, California , USA.
Andrew
A
Lac
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods*; D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders