Using meta-analysis to develop entrepreneurship research and theory

This chapter discusses the usefulness and limitations of meta-analysis methods in entrepreneurship research. It provides introductory step-by-step guidance to employing meta-analytical techniques to synthesise, integrate and aggregate empirical evidence from the existing body of entrepreneurship literature. Specifically, the chapter discusses the four primary steps of conducting meta-analysis: (1) searching and identifying primary studies, (2) defining inclusion rules, (3) coding and measurement, and (4) estimating and analysing effect sizes. We discuss the most prevalent methods adopted in meta-analytical reviews in management and entrepreneurship fields introduced by Hedges and his colleagues (Hedges and Olkin, 1985; Hedges and Vevea, 1998) and Hunter and Schmidt (2004). The chapter also discusses the statistical formulas and procedures used to conduct a meta-analysis.