meta-analysis

n. a quantitative technique for synthesizing the results of multiple studies of a phenomenon into a single result by combining the effect size estimates from each study into a single estimate of the combined effect size or into a distribution of effect sizes. For example, a researcher could conduct a meta-analysis of several studies on the association between self-efficacy and achievement, integrating the findings into an overall correlation. Although meta-analysis is ideally suited for summarizing a body of literature in terms of its impact, limitations, and implications, there are conditions that limit its applicability. For example, there is no minimum number of studies nor participants required, and information of potential interest may be missing from the original research reports upon which the procedure must rely.

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Psychology term of the day

April 26th 2024

open-ended interview

an interview in which the interviewee is asked questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. For example, a human resources staff member interviewing a candidate for employment might ask, “What were the major responsibilities of your most recent job?” Open-ended interviews encourage interviewees to talk freely and extensively, thus providing information that might not be obtained otherwise. The general questions and their order may be planned in advance (see standardized interview), or a single initial question can be planned and the subsequent discussion allowed to pursue various areas of interest as they arise (see unstructured interview).