meta-analysis
UK[ˌmet.əˈæn.ə.lɪ.sɪs]US[ˌmet̬.əˈæn.ə.lɪ.sɪs]
n
A statistical technique for combining the findings from numerous independent studies on the same subject to produce a single, more precise conclusion.
Morpheme Breakdown
meta
analysis
meta
beyond/transcending
analysis
detailed examination
Etymology
The term is a modern scholarly compound, first used in the mid-20th century within the field of statistics and research methodology. It combines the Greek prefix 'meta-', implying a higher-order or comprehensive perspective, with the well-established noun 'analysis', meaning a systematic examination. The logic is direct: a meta-analysis is an "analysis of analyses," a study that transcends individual research papers to synthesize their collective data. This construction follows the productive pattern in English of using 'meta-' to form terms describing self-referential or overarching frameworks (e.g., metacognition, metadata).
Analysis
Structure: meta (beyond/transcending) + analysis (detailed examination)
- meta: A prefix of Greek origin (μετά, metá), meaning "after," "beyond," or "transcending." In modern academic terminology, it often denotes a higher level of abstraction or a comprehensive perspective.
- analysis: A noun of Greek origin (ἀνάλυσις, análysis), from 'ana-' (up, throughout) and 'lysis' (a loosening). It means a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
Examples
The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 50 clinical trials to determine the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
A well-executed meta-analysis can provide stronger evidence than any single study included within it.
Critics argued that the meta-analysis was flawed because it combined studies with vastly different methodologies.