creators_name: Chow, Siu L.
type: journalp
datestamp: 1999-08-22
lastmod: 2011-03-11 08:54:18
metadata_visibility: show
title: Meta-Analysis of Pragmatic and Theoretical Research: A Critique
ispublished: pub
subjects: cog-psy
full_text_status: public
keywords: meta-analysis, theory corroboration, the quality problem, the commensurability problem, the selection-bias problem, the nonindependence problem, the "rigor, replicability, and objectivity" claim
abstract: Meta-analysis refers to a set of statistical procedures used to summarize and integrate many empirical studies that focus on one issue. This numerical method of integrating research findings is said to be superior to the narrative type of reviews because it is more objective, reliable, and rigorous. Moreover, the meta-analytic approach is supposedly capable of resolving research controversies, strengthening empirical hypotheses, and discovering new relationships among variables. In this study, these claims are examined and found to be wanting. Some objections to the use of meta-analysis as a means of substantiating theoretical assertions are raised with reference to the rationale of experimentation and to how knowledge evolves. It is concluded that it is inappropriate to apply meta-analysis to integrate theoretical research.
date: 1987
date_type: published
publication: Journal of Psychology
volume: 121
number: 3
pagerange: 259-271
refereed: TRUE
citation:   Chow, Siu L.  (1987) Meta-Analysis of Pragmatic and Theoretical Research: A Critique.  [Journal (Paginated)]     
document_url: http://cogprints.org/826/1/Metaclas.htm