Meta-analyses and systematic reviews are found at the top of the pyramid of evidence because they ideally synthesize high-quality research from other studies found lower on the pyramid. They therefore have a larger sample size than a single study and are one of the first places practitioners look to determine what the body of available evidence shows us about a particular medical question.
"A systematic review is a form of secondary research, guided by a detailed review protocol, that gathers primary studies and information from other sources on a clinical or policy question of interest and analyzes the data from these multiple studies to reach a conclusion. A systematic review involves the identification, selection, appraisal, and synthesis of the best available evidence for clinical decision making. A properly conducted systematic review uses transparent and reproducible strategies to reduce bias and instill rigor."
-Holly, C. (2017). Systematic Review. In J. Fitzpatrick (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Nursing Research.
Meta-analyses are like systematic reviews but with the added benefit of statistical analysis of the findings from the many studies included in the review.
Select the "meta-analysis" and/or "systematic review" filters to the left of your search results.
Please note that you can locate systematic reviews and meta-analyses in most databases the Grinnell College Libraries subscribes to; please contact a librarian if you would like additional assistance.