Meta-analysis is defined as quantitatively combining and integrating the findings of multiple research studies on a particular topic. It was coined by Glass in 1976 and refers to analyzing the results of several studies that address a shared research hypothesis. The key steps in a meta-analysis involve defining a hypothesis, locating relevant studies, inputting empirical data, calculating an overall effect size by standardizing statistics, and analyzing any moderating variables if heterogeneity exists. An example provided is a meta-analysis on coping behaviors of cancer patients that would statistically analyze results from quantitative studies with similar age groups.

1. META ANALYSIS
DR.MAHESWARI JAIKUMAR

2. DEFINITION
Quantitatively combining &
integrating the findings of
the multiple research studies
on a particular topic is
known as META ANALYSIS.

3.  GLASS (1976) coined the term
“META ANALYSIS”.
 It refers to the analysis of
ANALYSIS.

4.  A Meta Analysis statistically
combines the result of several
studies that address a shared
research hypothesis.
 Meta analysis summarizes data
from several individual studies
that concern a specific research
question.

5.  Meta analysis is considered as
the statistical analysis of a
large amount of analyzed
results from individual studies
for the purpose of integrating
the findings.
 .

6.  Meta Analysis studies start with
selecting studies with similar
variables & population samples,
followed by ****** identifying &
coding study characteristics &
finally statistically analyzing &
reporting the assessed findings of
the meta analysis study

7. STEPS IN META ANALYSIS
1.Define Hypothesis.
2.Locate the Studies.
3.Input Data.
4.Calculate effect Size.
5.Analyse Variables.

8. DEFINE HYPOTHESIS
 There must be a well defined
statement of the relationship
between the variables under
investigation,,,,,,,
 ,,,,, so that the researcher can
carefully define the inclusion &
exclusion criteria when locating
potential studies.

9. LOCATE THE STUDIES
 A Meta Analysis should adequately
summarize the existing literature, there
fore a through literature search is
critical to retrieve every relevant study,
such as……..
 database searches, ancestry
approaches, descendancy approaches,
hand searching & the invisible
college.(Network of researchers who
know about unpublished studies,
conference proceedings etc)

10. INPUT DATA
 Empirical findings are gathered
from primary studies & input into
statistical database.(p value &
effect size)

11. CALCULATE EFFECT SIZE
 The overall effect is calculated by
converting all statistics to a
common metric, making
adjustments as necessary to
correct for issues like ***********
 sample size or bias & then the
central tendency,(Mean effect size
& confidence intervals around that
effect size) & variability (
Heterogeneity is calculated)

12. ANALYSE VARIABLES
 Analyze the variables if
heterogeneity exist. Some
researchers insist upon analyzing
MODERATING VARIABLES as
appropriate

13. EXAMPLE
A study on coping behaviour of
patients with cancer
(Here the researcher selects
quantitative studies with coping
behaviour of cancer clients
conducted on the similar age
groups & later carry out a
statistical analysis on the results
of the selected studies).

14. META ANALYSIS
DR.MAHESWARI JAIKUMAR