(1) Finding Hypotheses

Overview

General Information to keep in mind: Typically the hypothesis is relationship between X and Y Purpose is usually to find overall effect, or moderators Ideally could test new idea (via moderators) that was not

previously tested in primary studies

The hypothesis needs to be straightforward and complete, but not overly detailed at this point because at Step 2 (locating the literature) it will be an on-going dynamic process of identifying what exists in the literature and what you decided to include/exclude from the meta

Different things to start with:

Pick IV Pick DV Pick hypothesis/theory Pick method/paradigm Pick manipulation/measure Pick an existing mediator/moderator What else?

Some tricks:

Take qualitative review and update Take older meta and update Take older meta and update, add moderators Find easily searchable name such as name of

theory or paradigm (e.g., attraction effect) but be aware of possible synonyms for same concept

Find easily “cited by” idea (e.g., scale)

How to pick?

Some advantageous features… Topic with ES that vary in magnitude and direction Topic that involves controversies, inconsistencies Topic with diversity (multiple IV, DV, stimuli, etc) Topic with opportunity to apply many moderators Topic with interesting problem to address Topic that involves causal relationships Practical point of view, want enough primary studies

(20-40) but not too many (100+) because hardest part of meta is finding studies (Step2)

Best Approach

The simpler the better Pick topic where resolving ongoing debate Or pick topic by doing meta of literature review Only conduct if easily manageable