What This Document Is
These are lecture notes from EVAL 6970: Meta-Analysis, a course offered at Western Michigan University. The notes cover foundational concepts and practical considerations within the field of meta-analysis – a powerful statistical technique used to synthesize findings from multiple research studies. Specifically, these notes focus on the initial stages of conducting a meta-analysis: clearly defining the research problem, systematically coding information from relevant studies, and understanding the underlying research designs commonly encountered.
Why This Document Matters
Students and researchers undertaking a meta-analysis will find these notes particularly valuable. They are ideal for those needing a structured overview of the preliminary steps involved in a meta-analytic project. These notes are most helpful when you are beginning to formulate your research question, planning your literature search, or preparing to extract data from primary studies. Anyone seeking to understand the complexities of synthesizing research evidence will benefit from a review of these core principles.
Common Limitations or Challenges
These notes represent a focused overview of specific topics within meta-analysis. They do not provide a comprehensive guide to statistical analysis or software implementation. The notes also do not include detailed, worked examples of coding or effect size calculations. Furthermore, they represent a snapshot of course material from Spring 2011 and may not reflect the very latest advancements in the field. Access to the full notes is required for a complete understanding of the concepts presented.
What This Document Provides
* An exploration of how to effectively frame a research problem suitable for meta-analysis.
* Discussion of the critical elements involved in coding research literature.
* An overview of key considerations when evaluating the research designs of included studies.
* Insights into the development of robust screening criteria for study eligibility.
* Examination of different approaches to structuring data for meta-analytic purposes.
* Considerations for ensuring the reliability and consistency of the coding process.