What is the term for research that compares findings across multiple studies?

The term for research that compares findings across multiple studies is meta-analysis. This approach synthesizes results from different studies to identify overall trends, effects, or relationships within a particular area of research. It provides a quantitative assessment of the combined effect sizes, which helps draw more robust conclusions from a broader dataset than what individual studies might offer. This is particularly useful in fields where results can vary significantly due to differences in study design, sample size, or population characteristics.

In contrast, a panel study collects data from the same subjects at multiple points in time but does not specifically focus on comparing findings across different studies. Action research is more focused on solving specific real-world problems through iterative and participatory methods rather than synthesizing existing research. Experimental design refers to the framework within which researchers conduct experiments to test hypotheses, and while it can yield important findings, it is about the design of research rather than the comparison of findings across multiple studies. Thus, meta-analysis stands out as the appropriate term for this type of comparative research activity.