What is a strength of meta-analysis?

A key strength of meta-analysis is the ability to create a larger pooled sample size by combining results from multiple studies. This aggregation enhances the statistical power of the analysis, making it easier to identify significant effects that may not be evident in smaller, individual studies. By incorporating data from various research efforts, a meta-analysis can provide a more comprehensive and reliable estimate of the overall effect being studied. This larger sample size is particularly valuable in fields where specific interventions or phenomena might be studied across different populations or settings, allowing researchers to draw more generalized conclusions.

In contrast, the other options point to challenges or limitations rather than strengths. Increased statistical complexity can actually make it more difficult to interpret results and may require advanced statistical knowledge. The potential for bias in study selection indicates a vulnerability in the methodology that can affect the validity of the findings. Although qualitative research offers rich insights, its inclusion in meta-analysis is not usually a standard practice, as meta-analysis traditionally focuses on quantitative data. Therefore, the capacity to utilize a larger pooled sample size effectively enhances the robustness and credibility of the findings derived from meta-analyses.