https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.14847
Process of using statistical methods to combine the results of different studies. In the biomedical sciences, the systematic evaluation of a problem using information (commonly in the form of statistical tables and other data) from a number of independent studies.
Notes:
- A common application is the pooling of results from a number of small randomized controlled trials, none in itself large enough to demonstrate statistically significant differences, but capable of doing so in aggregate.
- Meta-analysis has a qualitative component, i.e., application of predetermined quality criteria (e.g., completeness of data, absence of bias) and a quantitative component, i.e., integration of numerical information.
- Meta-analysis includes overview and data pooling aspects, but implies more than either of these processes. Meta-analysis carries the risk of several biases reinforcing each other. Because of such problems inherent in the pooling of data from different studies, interpretation of the results of meta-analysis must be very cautious.