Psychological Research Methods

1. Meta-Analysis
   1. Definition and purpose
      1. Aggregation of data from multiple studies to draw a more robust conclusion
      2. Enhancing statistical power and generalizability of findings
      3. Understanding overall trends and effects in a specific area of research
   2. Process of conducting a meta-analysis
      1. Study selection
         1. Establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria
         2. Conducting a comprehensive literature search
         3. Assessing the quality of the studies selected
         4. Dealing with publication bias
      2. Data extraction
         1. Coding variables of interest from selected studies
         2. Computing effect sizes
         3. Handling missing data
         4. Addressing variability in study designs and methodologies
      3. Statistical analysis
         1. Choosing between fixed-effect and random-effects models
         2. Performing heterogeneity analyses
            1. Quantifying heterogeneity (e.g., I² statistic)
            2. Analyzing sources of heterogeneity
         3. Conducting subgroup analyses
         4. Performing sensitivity analyses
         5. Implementing meta-regression techniques
         6. Assessing the robustness of findings through bootstrapping and resampling techniques
   3. Advantages
      1. Provides a high level of evidence by synthesizing results across studies
      2. Increases statistical power and precision of effect estimates
      3. Helps to resolve inconsistencies across studies
      4. Can identify moderators and mediators of effects
   4. Limitations
      1. Dependence on quality and availability of existing studies
      2. Potential for publication bias impacting results
      3. Variability in study designs and measurement tools
      4. The risk of combining studies that are too heterogeneous
      5. Interpretative challenges with small study effects
   5. Ethical considerations
      1. Ensuring transparency and replicability of the meta-analysis process
      2. Responsibility to accurately represent the findings and limitations
      3. Consideration of the ethical standards of studies included in the analysis
      4. Handling conflicts of interest and funding sources transparently