Introduction and Objective: Enquiry through research for achieving
more confirmed results, removing existing discrepancies among
various studies, and discovering knowledge gap are of main concerns
in scientific research. As a systematic approach, meta-analysis tends
to orientate this goal by statistical synthesis of quantitative results
obtained from independent studies relating to a research problem.
This article aimed to set forth an introductory context for conducting
meta-analysis in various research problems of knowledge and
information science (KIS).
Method: This paper used an analytical review to describe the history,
methods, statistical approaches, and challenges and opportunities of
meta-analysis in KIS. As a systematic review, meta-analysis has some
ordered and written stages directed by a protocol.
Findings: Statistical summarization of the findings of included
studies is the main stage which has three approaches. Despite its
importance in developing a scientific field, meta-analysis has not
been widely known and conducted in the KIS field and there are some
discrepancies in its conduct. The authors of original research articles
and journal editors should consider some guidelines for authoringpapers in such a way that they can be easily included in meta- analysis.
Originality/ value: This study is a step for introducing the principles and references
of meta-analysis to KIS scientific communication as a new and necessary approach
to synthesize and evaluate the increasing studies in the field, especially those
conducted in Iran.