Learning through conducting meta-analyses

Abstract

Meta-analyses can appear daunting to both beginning and established researchers because they require a comprehensive understanding of the research literature and involve analytical approaches that differ from those used in most empirical studies. As a result, research students and their supervisors may hesitate to include meta-analyses in graduate research. However, conducting a meta-analysis offers several important benefits for research students. The process encourages a deeper understanding of research designs in the field and helps students critically evaluate existing methodologies and findings. It also enables them to identify research gaps that can inform future empirical studies. In addition, engaging with meta-analytic techniques helps students develop advanced statistical and analytical skills. Drawing on our experiences conducting student-led meta-analyses, this chapter discusses the challenges and benefits encountered by both students and supervisors.