In: Statistics and Probability
Which one of the following statements describes a meta-analysis?
a. It is a primary source of evidence, rather than a secondary source.
b. It is a narrowly focused search, appraisal and synthesis of research literature to determine best evidence to develop practice guidelines and standards.
c. It is a research synthesis strategy that involves statistical analysis to combine samples and results from previous studies to determine the strength of the relationship or the size of the effect of an intervention (e.g., the effect of early mobilization in the ICU on functional outcomes)
d. A meta-analysis of high-quality studies about a health-related area generates lowest level of research evidence for clinical-decision making.
Meta analysis is a research synthesis strategy that involves statistical analysis to combine samples and results from previous studies to determine the strength of the relationship or the size of the effect of an intervention (e.g., the effect of early mobilization in the ICU on functional outcomes).
Option C is correct.