Meta-Analysis in Library and Information Science: Method, History, and Recommendations for Reporting Research

Abstract

Meta-analysis is a method for summarizing statistical fi ndings across multiple research studies. It is a useful method for assessing the level of agreement or disagreement surrounding a given research question. The ability to perform meta-analysis is dependent on the level of consistency in measures and the amount of data shared in published research. Guidelines to minimum standards for reporting research may improve the quality of writing in published research. Inconsistencies in reporting research fi ndings across studies, failing to provide enough detail on method and instrumentation to facilitate replication, and the multiplicity of different operational defi nitions or measures for the same concept all pose diffi culties to successfully attempting any form of research synthesis. This article presents a methodological explanation of meta-analysis, a literature review describing the application of meta-analysis in library and information science, and guidelines for reporting quantitative research that would enable subsequent researchers to perform meta-analysis.

Evaluation of method in systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in LIS

“…In applying the method, researchers in LIS will find Saxton's article on the method (Saxton, 2006) and Ankem's (2005a) article on conducting meta-analysis to be helpful. These articles provide references for additional reading, especially seminal materials, in meta-analysis.…”

“…Saxton's approach was conservative; given the paucity of data, the latter approach is recommended. Saxton's updated recommendations for meta-analyses found in an article published in Library Trends include this suggestion (Saxton, 2006).…”

Assessing the value of public library services: A review of the literature and meta‐analysis (project META)

“…Speaking of the value obtained through meta-analysis, Ankem notes that "the reasons and advantages for any interested researcher to conduct a meta-analysis are that it (1) allows for more precise results related to a research problem as these results are a mathematical aggregate of those from various studies examining the variables in question, and (2) increases in [statistical] power" (p. 165). Other LIS meta-analysis applications are ably summarized in Saxton's (2006) literature review.…”

A Systematic Review of Research on Live Chat Service

“…Systematic reviews differ from meta-analyses in that the findings in a systematic review may be reported quantitatively or qualitatively, whereas meta-analyses use statistical tests to combine results across multiple research studies. 11 In building the data set to be examined, inclusion criteria must be established appropriate to the question being asked.…”