What is a primary advantage of conducting a meta-analysis?

The primary advantage of conducting a meta-analysis is that it provides a broader conclusion by aggregating findings from multiple studies. This approach allows researchers to synthesize results from various studies that investigate similar questions or topics, enhancing the overall understanding of the research area. By combining data, meta-analysis may also increase statistical power and provide more accurate estimates of effect sizes, which can lead to more reliable conclusions.

This comprehensive approach helps to identify trends and patterns that may not be evident in individual studies, offering a clearer picture of the research question at hand. Moreover, it can account for variations in sample sizes, methodologies, and other factors across different studies, allowing researchers to draw more generalized conclusions.