meta analysis

• Meta-analysis: It uses secondary data. It refers to the process where a number of studies are used which have investigated the same aim or hypothesis. They can be put together so a conclusion can be produced. If the research is experimental where the independent variable is measured in the same way. It is possible to perform statistical analysis which is basically the dependent variable. It helps to describe the relationship or difference between the variables.
• Meta-analysis Strengths:

  Allows us to create a larger and more varied sample. These samples can be generalised across a wide population increasing the validity. 

  Weaknesses:

  It is prone to publication bias, as the researcher may not select all the relevant studies by choosing to leave out some of the studies if they do not provide the data or results that they desire. Due to this the conclusions can be biassed as they only represent some of the data.