Techniques of Research Synthesis

Abstract

In this introduction to the application of meta-analysis as a quantitative synthesis technique, several alternative approaches to research synthesis are described. Their advantages and disadvantages, as compared to those of the technique of meta-analysis, are discussed. Decisions that must be faced by the prospective user of meta-analysis are described, as are the tasks normally undertaken in such a synthesis. Different kinds of problems are posed by different applications of meta-analysis, and trade-offs inevitably result from selection among the available solutions. The costs and benefits of making the more typical of these choices are detailed.