What technique is used to integrate results from multiple quantitative studies?

Meta-analysis is the technique used to integrate results from multiple quantitative studies. This statistical method combines data from several studies to provide a more precise estimate of the effects or relationships being analyzed. By aggregating results, meta-analysis enhances the overall statistical power and allows for the examination of patterns and consistencies across different studies. This technique is particularly valuable in fields such as medicine, psychology, and social sciences, where individual studies may yield varying results due to sample size, methodology, or context.

In contrast, literature reviews compile and summarize existing research but do not statistically integrate findings to derive new conclusions. Qualitative research focuses on understanding phenomena through non-numeric data and usually does not lend itself to quantitative integration. Action research is a reflective process of problem-solving led by individuals, often within educational settings, and is not designed for integrating multiple quantitative studies. Thus, meta-analysis stands out as the most appropriate approach for synthesizing quantitative research findings.