Multilevel multivariate meta-analysis made easy: An introduction to MLMVmeta.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Statistics

Background:

• The random effects meta-analytic model is prevalent in psychological research, often used even when more complex models are appropriate.
• Complex multilevel multivariate meta-analytic models offer more accurate and extensive results but are underutilized due to practical challenges.

Approach:

• Introduces MLMVmeta, a user-friendly web application for implementing multilevel multivariate meta-analytic methodology.
• Tailored for contemporary psychological research, MLMVmeta ensures models are estimable, interpretable, and parsimonious.
• Illustrates the application and benefits through three progressively complex case studies.

Key Points:

• Multilevel multivariate meta-analytic models provide more accurate and comprehensive findings than simpler models.
• The case studies demonstrate increasing model complexity, incorporating more factors, conditions, dependent variables, and levels.
• MLMVmeta facilitates the adoption of these advanced statistical techniques in psychological research.

Conclusions:

• MLMVmeta simplifies the application of advanced meta-analytic techniques in psychology.
• The tool supports researchers in obtaining more nuanced and robust results from their data.
• Increased utilization of multilevel multivariate meta-analysis can advance psychological research methodologies.