Define meta-analysis in research.

Meta-analysis is a statistical technique that integrates the findings from multiple studies in order to draw broader conclusions about a specific research question or topic. It systematically combines the results, allowing researchers to assess the overall effect size, determine patterns across studies, and enhance the robustness of findings by increasing the sample size and statistical power. This methodology is particularly beneficial when individual studies yield varying results, as it provides a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon being studied.

In contrast, analyzing each study individually or conducting a qualitative review does not harness the quantitative strengths of meta-analysis, which is fundamentally focused on combining data. Evaluating the reliability of a single research study, while important, does not encompass the broader purpose of meta-analysis, which is to synthesize results across multiple investigations. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the essential characteristic of meta-analysis as a method that aggregates study outcomes for a cohesive and statistically valid conclusion.