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When developing a research question for a systematic review or meta-analysis, it is essential to ensure it is feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant. To examine a theoretical hypothesis, one must have studies that use experiments to test for causality (Tawfik et al., 2019). It is crucial to distinguish between studies reporting an observed relationship and those identifying relationships through experimental manipulation. Combine observational and experimental data to test a consistent relationship between variables. Consider the scope of generalization and the size of the data set you can handle.
Focusing on questions within your area of expertise is helpful for more accessible research. The main questions typically revolve around the mean effect, differences from the null expectation, and explaining outcome variation among different studies. Group studies are based on the population studied, the methodology used, how the outcome is measured, and the comparison baseline. However, many moderators should be avoided, as it can lead to low statistical power.
Lastly, it is crucial to be aware of confounded moderators and to decide how to address them in your analyses. This is not just a suggestion but a responsibility for conducting research. Being diligent in this aspect ensures the accuracy and validity of your research results.in your analyses, as this ensures the accuracy and validity of your research results (Koricheva et al., 2013).
