Meta-Analysis in Criminology and Criminal Justice: Challenging the Paradigm and Charting a New Path Forward. (21st May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Turanovic, Jillian J.; Pratt, Travis C.
• Is Part Of: Justice evaluation journal. Volume 4:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2021-05-21
• Subjects: Inclusion criteria -- meta-analysis -- partial effect sizes -- reproducibility -- statistical dependence; Criminal justice, Administration of -- Periodicals; 353.4
• DOI: 10.1080/24751979.2020.1775107
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2475-1979

Abstract

Abstract: Meta-analyses are appearing more frequently in the criminological literature. Yet the methods typically used are guided by a methodological paradigm that risks producing meta-analyses of limited value. Here we outline three key methodological issues that meta-analysts face and we present a methodological challenge to the dominant meta-analysis paradigm. We focus specifically on: (1) inclusion criteria, (2) analysis of bivariate versus multivariate effect sizes, and (3) methods for handling statistical dependence. Issues of reproducibility and recommendations for moving forward are discussed.