| meta-analysis | <statistics> A quantitative method of combining the results of independent studies (usually drawn from the published literature) and synthesizing summaries and conclusions which may be used to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness or to plan new studies. With application chiefly in the areas of research and medicine. It is often an overview of clinical trials. It is usually called a meta-analysis by the author or sponsoring body and should be differentiated from reviews of the literature. (27 Jun 1999) |
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