Some evaluation criteria applied to meta-analyses can also be applied to regular empirical studies. Which one of the following evaluation questions is uniquely applicable to meta-analysis but NOT to other studies?
A) Are the limitations of the study and analyses clearly explained?
B) Are the issues of heterogeneity and bias among the included studies addressed?
C) Are the numerical results explained in a way understandable to an intelligent layperson?
D) Are results interpreted to draw clear implications for policy or practice?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The issue of heterogeneity and bias among the included studies is uniquely applicable to meta-analysis because it involves synthesizing data from multiple studies. Regular empirical studies typically have a single data set and do not involve combining data from multiple sources. The other evaluation criteria (limitations of the study and analyses, understandable results, and clear implications for policy or practice) are applicable to both meta-analysis and regular empirical studies.

Some Evaluation Criteria Applied to Meta-Analyses Can Also Be Applied