What is the purpose of conducting a meta-analysis?

The purpose of conducting a meta-analysis is to statistically combine results from multiple studies. This approach allows researchers to synthesize findings from various studies to draw more robust conclusions than those obtained from any single study. By aggregating the results, meta-analysis can help identify patterns, establish effects, or clarify discrepancies across different research findings.

This method is particularly valuable in fields where individual studies may have limited sample sizes or where results may vary due to differences in methodologies. By pooling data, researchers can increase the statistical power of their analyses, leading to more reliable estimates of effect sizes and greater generalizability of the results.

In contrast, assessing a single study's findings, summarizing qualitative data, or replicating previous study conditions focuses on different aspects of research and does not encompass the comprehensive benefits or purposes that a meta-analysis serves.