Final answer:
A meta-analysis is a technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies for statistical analysis, often used to understand effectiveness, risks, and benefits of interventions. A metasynthesis differs as it integrates findings from qualitative research to create new interpretations and contribute to theory building.
Step-by-step explanation:
A meta-analysis is a statistical technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies on a specific topic. It assesses the therapeutic effectiveness, risks, and benefits by analyzing a large collection of research data. This method allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the subject by looking at the bigger picture that individual studies may not be able to provide alone. Meta-analysis is particularly useful when research findings are inconsistent or when assessing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions.
A metasynthesis refers to the process of integrating and summarizing findings from qualitative research studies. It aims to create new interpretations and comprehend complex phenomena by synthesizing various narratives and observations from individual studies. Unlike meta-analysis, which is quantitative and statistically driven, metasynthesis is interpretive, involves thematic analysis, and contributes to theory building in a field.