What type of analysis combines quantitative data from different research projects?

Meta-analysis is a statistical technique used to combine and analyze quantitative data from multiple research studies that address similar hypotheses or questions. This approach allows researchers to synthesize findings across different studies, thereby increasing the sample size and statistical power, which can lead to more robust conclusions. It also helps to reconcile discrepancies between studies and can identify trends or effects that may not be apparent in individual studies alone. By aggregating the results, meta-analysis provides a clearer picture of the overall evidence on a particular research question, making it a valuable tool for informing practice and guiding future research in fields like social work.

In contrast, qualitative analysis focuses on non-numerical data such as interviews or observations, descriptive analysis summarizes characteristics of data without seeking to establish relationships, and content analysis systematically examines communication in various forms. Each of these has its specific purpose and methodologies that do not involve the integration of quantitative findings across multiple studies as meta-analysis does.