Meta-analysis is a statistical technique mostly used by social students and in medicine and psychology in particular. This analysis avoids wasting time and is used to analyze statistical data used from various studies over a period of time. Meta analysis uses large volumes of data avoiding marginal errors, and helps in interpreting and drawing perfect conclusions. Researchers say that the meta analysis should clearly state a protocol which explains the aim and methodology of the study and should be conducted like a scientific experiment. Two types of data is used in meta analysis which are Individual Participant Data (IPD) and Aggregate Data (AD). Meta analysis is conducted in various ways which are Fixed effects model, Random effects model, Quality effects model and IVhet model. Each model is used according to the type of study and analysis required. Meta analysis has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on various situations.

Advantages of Meta Analysis:

• Meta analysis reduces the complexity of research.
• Best used for medical and psychology studies.
• Produces quality assessments and reduces repeated research or analysis.
• Best results can be obtained by using larger volumes of data.
• Inconsistencies in results can be analyzed and quantified.

Disadvantages of Meta Analysis:

• Researcher must rely on old data or databases.
• This analysis has scope for biasness and skewed data.
• Validity of results can be compromised.
• One small error during the study can make the entire analysis a failure.

With its own advantages and disadvantages Meta analysis is being used widely in various fields and this analysis can reduce the time frame of the study and reduces expenses and repeated studies. The quantitative results of the meta analysis studies must be interpreted very carefully and the analysis also must be carefully done with rigorous rules.