A systematic review pools data from multiple randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of a new antimalarial drug. Which statistical method is used to combine quantitative results from these individual studies?
- A Chi-square test
- B Kaplan-Meier analysis
- C Meta-analysis ✓
- D Logistic regression
Correct answer: C. Meta-analysis
Explanation
Meta-analysis is the statistical technique used in a systematic review to pool and synthesize quantitative results from multiple independent studies on the same research question. It produces a combined estimate (typically a weighted average) with greater statistical power than any individual study. A systematic review without meta-analysis remains qualitative in its synthesis.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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