Which of the following is a reason that psychologists especially value meta-analyses?

• A. Meta-analyses eliminate the need for peer review in scientific research.
• B. Meta-analyses focus exclusively on qualitative data rather than quantitative data.
• C. Meta-analyses are used to generate hypotheses rather than test them.
• D. Meta-analyses combine results from multiple studies to provide a more reliable estimate of effect size.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a meta-analysis is a statistical technique used in psychology to combine the results of multiple studies addressing the same question.
2. Recognize that by aggregating data from various studies, meta-analyses increase the overall sample size, which enhances the reliability and generalizability of the findings.
3. Note that meta-analyses focus on quantitative data, specifically effect sizes, to provide a more precise estimate of the true effect across studies.
4. Understand that meta-analyses do not eliminate the need for peer review; rather, they are themselves subject to rigorous peer evaluation to ensure validity.
5. Realize that meta-analyses are primarily used to test hypotheses by synthesizing existing research findings, rather than just generating new hypotheses.