Understanding the Practice, Application, and Limitations of Meta-Analysis. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allen, Mike
• Other Names: Druckman Daniel guest-editor.; Donohue William guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American behavioral scientist. Volume 64:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 96
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: meta-analysis -- applications of meta-analysis -- limitations of meta-analysis -- statistical conversion; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/0002764219859619
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7642

Abstract

This article discusses the basic assumptions and practices for meta-analysis as well as describing options and innovations for implementing this tool. Meta-analysis represents a family of techniques with different assumptions and procedures. I discuss some of the ongoing debates and limitations of the methods that continue to receive attention. In an era of "evidence-based" applications and educational material, meta-analysis (in all the forms) represents the best way to reduce Type II error and identify Type I error. Use of the technique provides facilitates the formulation and evaluation theoretical arguments as well as identifying the means to optimally generate future research efforts. The process of meta-analysis takes the scientist back to the future by reminding the community of the original premises that guided the formation of the statistical process.