Meta‐Analysis: A Reflection On Problems

Abstract

Since 1977 there has been considerable debate regarding the relative efficacy of meta‐analysis as a research methodology. The authors implemented a meta‐analysis to examine the question of the nature of the association between self‐perception and performance or achievements levels. The study (128 research studies; 1136 correlations) made us aware of the problems associated with designing and implementing a meta‐analysis. This paper discussed in some detail the problems encountered, namely topic selection, the literature search, coding procedures, sampling the literature, the use of a common metric, the use of significance tests, costs and time involved, and publication. 1984 Australian Psych..