PRC Literature Review & Synthesis 3

Question 1

A funnel plot asymmetry in a meta-analysis most commonly suggests the presence of:

Accepted Answer

Publication bias

Answer

Asymmetry in a funnel plot, where smaller studies cluster unevenly, is often interpreted as evidence of publication bias.

Question 2

When conducting a literature review, 'grey literature' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Research produced outside traditional publishing channels

Answer

Grey literature includes reports, theses, conference papers, and government documents produced outside commercial peer-reviewed publishing.

Question 3

The I² statistic in a meta-analysis quantifies:

Accepted Answer

The percentage of variation due to heterogeneity

Answer

I² measures the proportion of total variation in study estimates that is attributable to heterogeneity rather than sampling error.

Question 4

In a literature review, 'citation chasing' or 'snowballing' involves:

Accepted Answer

Following references of retrieved articles to find additional sources

Answer

Snowballing involves examining the reference lists of retrieved studies and the articles that have cited them to identify additional relevant sources.

Question 5

Which approach to synthesis preserves the original language and concepts from primary qualitative studies rather than translating them into a new framework?

Accepted Answer

Meta-ethnography

Answer

Meta-ethnography, developed by Noblit and Hare, synthesizes qualitative studies by translating concepts between studies while preserving their original meaning.

(PRC) Professional Researcher Certification Practice Test

(PRC) Professional Researcher Certification Practice Test

PRC Literature Review & Synthesis 3