The Meta-Analytic Approach to Research Integration

Abstract

A quantitative research method for aggregating findings from empirical research, meta-analysis is useful for systematically integrating findings gleaned from individual studies. Meta-analysis goes beyond the mere summarization and critique of research findings, to conducting statistical analyses on the outcomes of similar studies. Overall, meta-analysis represents a vast improvement over traditional methods of research review, by providing a more thorough description of the current status of research in an area and a more precise estimate of the effects of treatments or interventions. This article describes the meta-analytic approach to research integration, discusses the advantages that it offers for integrating nursing research, and highlights some of the methodological issues surrounding this approach.