A method of using multiple studies by different people, typically in the published literature, in order to cross-validate and find emerging patterns. To enable meta-analysis, methods and results of studies must be clearly reported. Making all study data and methodology available in the public domain is a good way to enable meta-analysis, with the proviso that ethical issues must be considered.
Also used in hcistats2e: Chap. 9: page 107; Chap. 14: pages 164, 184; Chap. 15: pages 187, 188