National Counselor Exam (NCE)

What statistical method is used to combine the results of multiple studies into one analysis?

1. Descriptive statistics

2. Inferential statistics

3. Regression analysis

4. Meta-analysis

The correct answer is: Meta-analysis

Meta-analysis is the statistical method specifically designed to combine the results from multiple studies to arrive at a comprehensive conclusion. This approach is particularly valuable in fields like psychology and counseling, where individual studies may yield varying results due to differences in sample sizes, methodologies, or contexts. By aggregating data from various studies, meta-analysis increases the overall sample size and enhances the power to detect effects, leading to more reliable and generalizable findings. Unlike descriptive statistics, which focus on summarizing and describing data from a single study, meta-analysis takes a broader approach by synthesizing findings from numerous studies. Although inferential statistics allow researchers to make predictions or inferences about a population based on sample data, they do not inherently combine results from multiple studies. Regression analysis, on the other hand, aims to identify relationships between variables within a single dataset rather than integrating results from various studies. Thus, meta-analysis stands out as the appropriate method for achieving a comprehensive synthesis of research findings across different studies.