MTA-analysis method Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

MTA-analysis method - Essay Example Therefore, the method involves two distinct stages. The first stage involves identifying different data sets and summarizing the data into a uniform set. The second stage involves making conclusions from the summarized data set. Meta-analysis requires that the data is accurate and devoid of any complications. It will not be efficient if it uses inaccurate data. In addition, the method requires the analyst to identify and collect data sets from past studies, which have some aspects of resemblance in terms of the research question they address. The method is particularly effective because it draws conclusions from data characteristics rather than making generalized conclusions about data. However, the method requires planning and some level of expertise among analysts. Advantages of meta-analysis The approach defines subjective ways of checking variability of data and enables testing of all statistical parameters. Combination of different studies summarizes data and ensures the ease of drawing conclusions from the data. Other parties can also use the data to support their studies. Review of past studies eliminates unnecessary details that are insignificant to the study. Meta-analysis makes possible the prediction of the impact of significant elements of data within a specified period (Cavanaugh, 2010). Review of past studies eliminates the threat of bias sampling. ... Researchers have found this method convenient in analyzing educational research. A single research on education can yield a range of different results due to a number of factors. Different research methods, the setting of the research and research instruments influence the nature of results (Allen, Bourhis, Burrell & Mabry, 2010). Therefore, there is a need to combine the different results and synthesize them into a single pool, from which it is easy to make viable conclusions. Meta-analysis is the best method that will help in meeting this data requirement. Furthermore, it summarizes data, which makes it possible for other researchers to extract useful information that may be relevant for their studies (Bernard, Abrami & Wozney, 2010). To understand this method, there is a need to look at the steps, methods and theories that govern its use. Steps followed in a meta-analysis The first step involves identifying the research problem. This includes identifying the variables and attribut es that are common in different data sets. The search for relevant literature sources succeeds the first stage. This stage involves identifying sources of information from available literature reviews and other relevant studies. Meta-analysis depends on other research studies and a researcher must ensure that the results of previous studies are accurate before using them in meta-analysis. The next stage involves selecting previous studies that meet the requirements of quality and that have some resemblance in addressing the same research question. Summarization of data using appropriate methods follows this stage. Summarization standardizes data