This is a lucid, comprehensive introduction to meta-analysis, decision analysis, and cost-effectiveness analysis. These three closely related methods have become even more important for synthesizing research since the first edition was published in 1994. And they have gained legitimacy as tools for guiding health policy. In the Second Edition, Petitti has added new material on cumlative meta-analysis and the exploration of heterogeneity, incorporated recommendations for standardizing the conduct of cost-effectiveness analysis, and updated the rest of the text.