Practical Meta-Analysis (Applied Social Research Methods)

This book outlines the entire process of meta-analysis from start to finish. It is extremely user-friendly and easy to understand; as a graduate student, I was able to teach myself meta-analysis from this book without any additional help. In addition to teaching the basic calculations and statistics involved in meta-analysis, it also does a great job of explaining how to interpret the results from each step. The word "practical" in the title is an accurate descriptor, because the book focuses on telling you what you need to know to a produce a meta-analysis; it does not go into great deal about the mathematical concepts underlying the calculations.Because the book does not go beyond the fundamentals of meta-analysis (nor does it purport to), it may not be the only meta-analysis book you need depending on the type of data you're working with. There have been some analyses that I've had to find other books to teach me because they were beyond the scope of this book. Personally, I've found this one to be a useful second book to own:  The Handbook of Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis .

Sometimes, you just want a practical introduction to a topic. How do I use the technique? What are the hiccups involved in just using the method? What traps should I look out for? How do I interpret my findings? This book does just that for meta-analysis.The problem with most intro meta-analysis references is that they are steeped in theory with no examples/practical applications to show you how the theory is applied in everyday life. Still other references are a collection of applications, but provide no guidance on how to interpret the findings. Lipsey's book is a cross between the two. A reasonably intelligent person (with or without a background in meta-analysis) should be able to follow Lipsey's writing without much assistance and appy their findings to their own data. I highly recommend this book. Thanks Mark.

I found this textbook useful for its clarity and its use of practical examples. Its good for students too, if you are studying meta-analysis. This book assumes basic statistics and epidemiology knowledge. It is not bogged down with excessive statistical theory, it is a 'how to" guide.

I really like this book. It is concise but thorough would be a great on the side of your desk reference when planning and/or conducting a meta analysis.

Did not serve my purpose

Meta-analysis is a good read is you are doing a quantitative study. Does offer some good information on performing literature review for even qualitative studies.

This book provides a detailed breakdown of the Meta-Analysis process. It served as a very good reference, as I worked on my dissertation.

A great reference book. Easy to read and a nice book for for keeping in your personal library. Highly recommended!

Very thorough coverage of a major research approach for those new to the subject. The ideas and concepts behind meta analysis are clearly explained together with the advantages and drawbacks of the methods. As someone with only a basic grasp of statistics I found the sections on statistical techniques heavy going but I was able to grasp the principles and now know where to look for expert assistance.Definitely recommended for those who want to take a critical approach to meta-analysis research projects and a must for anyone thinking of undertaking such a project.

I have completed a number of meta-analysis as a university professor and this book is one of my go-to's. It's dated (thus the 4 stars), but is still so easy to understand, comprehensive, and practical that I still make all my students read it. Everyone "gets" meta-analysis after reading this book, although you may need to go to a newer text to address modern elements.

Tout était parfait.