Features Pros and Cons of Meta Analysis as a Research Methodology

Meta-Analysis and Procedures for Synthesizing Results Key aspects of meta-analysis Meta-analysis is the process of integrating the qualitative findings of separate studies through formal statistical approaches (Swanson & Holton III (eds). 2005). The aim of meta-analysis is to increase the precision of estimating the treatment effect of any intervention used. In other words, a meta-analysis combines the outcomes of various studies with the purpose of answering a set of related research hypotheses.

The collection of studies can be in the form of raw data from clinical studies, summary statistics in abstracts or report and even published literature. In a broader sense, a meta-analysis is the product of a systematic review. Strengths Integrating data from a pool of appropriately conducted primary studies could offer a precise estimate of the underlying effect unlike any individual research (Swanson & Holton III (eds). 2005). This means that by synthesizing the samples of the separate studies, the investigator increases the size of the overall sample.

The result is an enhanced statistical power of the analysis and a reduced size of the confidence interval for the estimated effect. Besides, communicating a pooled summary is more efficient than describing the results for each of the individual studies. In some cases, the benefits may be realized by pooling the results since the treatment effect in small trials exhibits an insignificant pattern towards efficiency. Limitations Meta-analysis studies are often associated with validity and quality concerns. Such studies can only be as valid as the independent studies in the analysis.

When the investigator selects high-quality studies and uses a sound meta-analysis method, then, the outcomes of the meta-analysis can be expected to be reliable. However, when the methodological quality of the chosen studies is inadequate, the conclusion drawn from the qualitative integration of this data could similarly be insufficient. Most probably, internal factors that threaten the validity of a meta-analysis include selection bias, observer bias and attrition bias (Swanson & Holton III (eds). 2005). Researchers are leaning towards a trend of applying an iterative approach to advance a research project.

In practice, this simply refers to a cyclic procedure of prototyping, analyzing, testing and refining a research in progress. In applying this approach, researchers interact with a design system as a form of research for evolving and informing a project as iterations or successive versions of the design are implemented. Discussion Topic 2: It is impossible to argue that an organization that is running smoothly with excellent profits and a good team of professionals is subject to run in the same capacity. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Constant developments and enhancements of the team and the business are imperative to surpass the others in the industry, besides securing a competitive edge. This can only be achieved through research, which in this case will involve synthesizing and summarizing the results from previous studies. Research is not only meant for the science and medical fields but is equally a vital element of any business organization, regardless of the industry or size.

Out organization is composed of people and these individuals are the ones steering the course of the business (Lawler & Mohrman, 2011). Managers must have access to facts and figures regarding the organization's industry, performance and financial health to continually improve the business and the quality of their offerings. Today, most companies have a complete research and development department rooted in quality control to ensure invention of new products and quality products.

In this case, the organization needs to implement process re-engineering and hence an in-depth study of the current systems and processes of the departments and units must be conducted. A previous study by Scott McKenzie, entitled "Behavioral and Organizational Research" would help reveal the gaps prevailing in the system and offer innovative solutions or suitable remedies. In fact, qualitatively combining results of various would.