Systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Table of Contents
1:Introduction
2:Formulating a Topic and Developing a Protocol
3:Locating and Screening Studies
4:Data Extraction and Study Quality Assessment
5:Effect Size Metrics and Pooling Methods
6:Assessing Bias and Variations in Effects
7:Conclusions
Appendices
A: AMSTAR (for assessment of multiple systematic reviews)
B: Software for Meta-Analysis
C: Suggested Outline for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
D: Sample Search Strategy
E: Sample Data Extraction Forms

Description
When used in tandem, systematic reviews and meta-analysis, two distinct but highly compatible approaches to research synthesis, form a powerful, scientific approach to analyzing previous studies. But to see their full potential, a social work researcher must be versed in the foundational processes underlying them. This pocket guide to Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis illuminates precisely that practical groundwork.

In clear, step-by-step terms, the authors explain how to format topics, locate and screen studies, extract and assess data, pool effect sizes, determine bias, and interpret the results, showing readers how to combine reviewing and meta-analysis correctly and effectively. Each chapter contains vivid social work examples and concludes with a concise summary and notes on further reading, while the book's glossary and handy checklists and sample search and data extraction forms maximize the boo'ks usefulness.

Highlighting the concepts necessary to understand, critique, and conduct research synthesis, this brief and highly readable introduction is a terrific resource for students and researchers alike.