What does meta-analysis aim to do in the field of therapy?

Meta-analysis aims to analyze a wide range of studies to understand overall trends. This statistical approach aggregates the results from multiple research studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a specific phenomenon, such as therapy outcomes. By compiling data from various sources, meta-analysis can identify patterns, assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, and establish generalizable conclusions that may not be evident from individual studies.

The strength of meta-analysis lies in its ability to increase power and reliability by synthesizing findings from diverse settings and populations. This means that rather than focusing solely on the nuances of a single case or study, meta-analysis evaluates a broader spectrum of evidence, allowing for more robust conclusions about what contributes to successful therapeutic outcomes across different contexts.