National Counselor Exam (NCE)

To conduct a comprehensive analysis of studies on social skills training, what type of study design should a researcher use?

1. Longitudinal study

2. Case study

3. Experimental study

4. Meta-analysis

The correct answer is: Meta-analysis

A meta-analysis is the most appropriate study design for conducting a comprehensive analysis of studies on social skills training. This approach involves systematically reviewing and statistically combining data from multiple studies to provide a consolidated understanding of the effectiveness of social skills training interventions. By synthesizing findings from various independent studies, a meta-analysis can offer insights into overall trends, the magnitude of effects, and factors that may influence outcomes across different contexts. It allows researchers to identify patterns that might not be evident in individual studies and enhances the generalizability of conclusions drawn. In contrast, while a longitudinal study tracks changes over time and can provide rich data about development or long-term effects, it does not necessarily bring together results from diverse studies in a unified analysis. A case study, which examines a specific instance in depth, offers detailed insights but lacks the breadth needed for a comprehensive overview. An experimental study tests specific hypotheses within a controlled environment but focuses on new data collection rather than consolidating existing research. Thus, the meta-analysis stands out as the most effective method for synthesizing evidence from numerous sources to analyze social skills training comprehensively.