The potential for greater use of meta-analysis in archival auditing research

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the increasing potential demand for meta-analysis studies in auditing. The paper includes a review of a new technique and meta-regression analysis, and explains its advantages in comparison to meta-analysis techniques used in prior auditing research. It also discusses opportunities for applying meta-analysis to auditing topics and potential pitfalls.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a review and commentary on meta-analysis techniques used in auditing research, especially for meta-analyses of empirical archival studies that use regression models.

Findings

There is now considerable potential for meta-analysis to have an impact on auditing policy and regulation. Researchers using meta-analysis should make use of the most current techniques (e.g. meta-regression), which are more reliable and allow researchers to explore more issues about the research.

Originality/value

The paper informs auditing researchers about methods to advance their research and increase its usefulness.

Citation

Hay, D. (2019), "The potential for greater use of meta-analysis in archival auditing research", Managerial Auditing Journal, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 76-95. https://doi.org/10.1108/MAJ-05-2017-1562