What is meta-analysis?

What is meta-analysis?

• A. It is a narrative synthesis of individual studies.
• B. Statistically combines results from multiple studies to estimate an overall effect.
• C. It replaces clinical trials.
• D. It is used to assess study quality only.

Answer: (B)

Meta-analysis is the statistical synthesis of results from several studies that address the same question, yielding a single overall effect estimate. By combining data, it increases statistical power and provides a more precise summary than any individual study. It weights each study by its precision, so larger, more reliable studies contribute more, and it uses models (fixed or random effects) to reflect whether the true effect is assumed the same across studies or may vary. This quantitative approach is a core part of systematic reviews and helps determine whether evidence across different settings points in a consistent direction. It isn’t just a narrative summary, it doesn’t replace clinical trials, and it goes beyond merely assessing study quality by providing a pooled effect size and exploring variability among studies.

Meta-analysis is the statistical synthesis of results from several studies that address the same question, yielding a single overall effect estimate. By combining data, it increases statistical power and provides a more precise summary than any individual study. It weights each study by its precision, so larger, more reliable studies contribute more, and it uses models (fixed or random effects) to reflect whether the true effect is assumed the same across studies or may vary. This quantitative approach is a core part of systematic reviews and helps determine whether evidence across different settings points in a consistent direction. It isn’t just a narrative summary, it doesn’t replace clinical trials, and it goes beyond merely assessing study quality by providing a pooled effect size and exploring variability among studies.