Why is it worth doing a meta-analysis?
When researchers prepare reviews of available literature on various topics they have always to face the situation of having a large number of studies reporting contradictory results. In these cases, the meta-analysis is the best procedure to synthesize the available data and to individuate the factors that can explain heterogeneity of the results reported in primary studies.
The meta-analysis, introduced in the 70s by Gene Glass to test the effectiveness of psychotherapy, it is now widely applied in various fields (e.g., psychological, educational, medical, etc.). Meta-analysis is used to address several research questions, such as:
- A particular treatment is effective? (e.g., is an experimental drug effective?)
- There are differences between two groups? (e.g., do adopted children and biological children exhibit different levels of self-esteem?)
- Two variables are related? (e.g., is job satisfaction associated with family satisfaction?)
To answer these questions, meta-analysis provides a quantitative synthesis of study results available in a specific area of research.
How to learn to do a meta-analysis?
In this website two types of services are offered to those who wish to make a meta-analysis:
- Courses on meta-analysis: the courses are the easiest way to learn both the steps needed to complete a meta-analysis and the use of specific software for conducting the statistical analyses.
- Consulting: This service is designed to provide expert advice on one or more phases of the realization of a meta-analysis.
All our courses and services are available also in Italian. For more information visit: www.meta-analisi.it