What is the purpose of a meta-analysis in research?

The purpose of a meta-analysis in research is to summarize results from multiple studies. This method combines data from various studies that address a common research question, allowing researchers to evaluate the overall effect size, trends, and patterns across different samples and contexts. By integrating findings from a range of research, meta-analysis increases the statistical power and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the topic being studied.

This approach is particularly valuable in fields like psychology, where individual studies may have varying results due to differences in sample size, methodology, or context. The insights gained from a meta-analysis can help to establish more reliable conclusions and guide future research directions.