Meta-Analysis Basics
What is the main purpose of a meta-analysis in research?
To combine the results of multiple studies to estimate a more accurate overall effect.
What does "convergent design" mean in MMR?
It is a design where quantitative and qualitative data are collected simultaneously and compared.
What does an effect size of 0 indicate in meta-analysis?
No effect of the treatment or intervention.
What is "triangulation" in the context of MMR?
Using multiple methods or data sources to confirm or validate findings.
What does "internal validity" refer to in a research study?
The extent to which the results can be attributed to the intervention rather than other factors.
In a meta-analysis, what does a "forest plot" visually represent?
The effect sizes and confidence intervals from multiple studies.
What is a key reason to use MMR instead of just qualitative or quantitative methods?
To gain both breadth and depth of understanding of a phenomenon.
What does a 95% confidence interval indicate about the effect size?
There is a 95% probability that the true effect size lies within this range.
What is a common reason to use both qualitative and quantitative data in a counseling study?
To understand both the numerical outcomes of an intervention and the lived experiences of participants.
What is a "moderator variable" in a study?
A variable that influences the strength or direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
What is the "fail-safe N" in a meta-analysis?
The number of null studies needed to make the effect size non-significant.
In a sequential mixed methods design, which type of data is collected first?
It depends on the research question, but either qualitative or quantitative data can be collected first.
If a study’s effect size has a wide confidence interval, what does this say about the study’s precision?
The study is less precise.
What is the process of transforming qualitative data into quantitative data for analysis?
Quantitizing.
What does "grounded theory" aim to do in qualitative research?
To develop theory based on data collected from participants.
What type of bias is represented when studies with significant results are more likely to be published?
Publication bias.
What is the term for combining qualitative and quantitative findings during the interpretation phase of an MMR study?
Integration.
What family of effect sizes is used to compare the differences between two groups, such as treatment vs. control?
the "d" family, including Cohen’s d and Hedges’s g.
What does "following a thread" mean in mixed methods data analysis?
Identifying a theme or result from one type of data and exploring it in the other type of data.
What is "data saturation" in qualitative research?
The point at which no new themes or insights are being identified from the data.
What is the purpose of conducting a heterogeneity test, like Cochran’s Q, in a meta-analysis?
To assess whether the variability in effect sizes across studies is greater than expected by chance.
What is a transformative mixed methods design, and how is it used to address power imbalances in marginalized populations?
A transformative mixed methods design is guided by a theoretical framework, often related to social justice or advocacy, and uses quantitative and qualitative methods to address issues of power, inequality, or marginalization. The design is used to give voice to underrepresented groups and ensure that the research promotes social change and empowerment.
How does sample size affect the width of confidence intervals in a meta-analysis?
Larger sample sizes lead to narrower confidence intervals, indicating more precise estimates.
In an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, how are the quantitative and qualitative phases integrated, and what is the primary purpose of this integration?
The quantitative phase is conducted first, followed by the qualitative phase to explain or interpret the quantitative findings in more depth. The primary purpose of this integration is to help understand the reasons or underlying factors behind the quantitative results by gaining deeper insights through qualitative data.
What is pragmatism in the context of mixed methods research, and how does it influence the choice of methodology?
Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes practical solutions to research problems, valuing both qualitative and quantitative methods for their usefulness in answering the research question. In mixed methods research, pragmatism allows the researcher to choose methods based on what works best for gaining a complete understanding of the phenomenon, rather than adhering strictly to one methodology.