Meta-analysis
A systematic review method that involves identifying a specific aim and searching for research studies that have addressed similar aims/hypotheses.
Database search
The process of looking through various databases to find relevant research studies for a meta-analysis.
Inclusion/exclusion criteria
Criteria used to decide which studies are to be included or excluded in a meta-analysis.
Strengths of meta-analysis
Increases the validity of conclusions by basing them on a wider range of studies.
Weaknesses of meta-analysis
Variability in research designs among studies can make them not truly comparable in a meta-analysis.