The Quantitative Integration of Research: An Introduction to Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Meta-analysis refers to a set of procedures for statistically summarizing, integrating and comparing the results of previous research. This article elucidates the place of meta-analysis in hospitality research. First, a brief overview of meta-analytic procedures is provided. Second, the superior precision, rigor and accuracy of meta-analytic over narrative reviews is illustrated by selecting a recent narrative review in the Hospitality Research Journal, conducting a meta-analysis of the same studies and comparing the conclusions of the meta-analysis with those of the narrative review. Third, the authors illustrate the use of meta-analysis to test new, theoretical hypotheses by describing a recent meta-analysis of potential interest to the hospitality industry. Lastly, the article discusses several issues concerning the application of meta-analysis in hospitality and other research.