Which of the following is an advantage of meta-analysis?

The advantage that best describes meta-analysis is the ability to generalize results across large populations. Meta-analysis combines data from multiple studies, which increases the sample size and enhances the statistical power of the findings. This larger dataset allows researchers to detect effects that might not be apparent in individual studies due to smaller sample sizes or variability in results. As a result, conclusions drawn from a meta-analysis are often more robust and applicable to broader settings, making it possible to generalize findings across diverse populations.

While some other options involve important aspects of research, they do not accurately capture the primary advantage of meta-analysis. For instance, detailed qualitative analysis typically refers to methods that focus on in-depth understanding of phenomena, which is not the focus of meta-analysis. Additionally, while meta-analysis can help reduce publication bias by including unpublished studies in the analysis, this is more of a procedural benefit than a direct advantage of the analysis itself. Finally, requiring only one study would contradict the core principle of meta-analysis, which is to synthesize results from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence on a particular topic. Thus, the ability to generalize findings across large populations is the defining strength of meta-analysis.