Meta‐Analysis: A Perspective for Research Synthesis

A review of the literature is an important early step in the scientific process. Metaanalysis is a methodology that increases the objectivity in a synthesis of the results from the research literature. It is the application of research and statistical techniques, which are employed in objective primary research to the analysis of a collection of studies. Meta‐analysis provides a method of step‐by‐step defining, collecting, coding, quantifying, synthesizing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting information from a collection of research studies. The unit of inquiry is the study. This review provides an introduction to meta‐analysis and a summary of the methodology in a metaanalysis as well as evaluations of meta‐analysis by other authors.