Methodological complexity in the use of meta-analysis for empirical environmental case studies

The primary aim of meta‐analysis is to carry out a synthesis of results obtained by different single studies on common problems. It is, therefore, characterized by a high level of transversality, both horizontally (identification, selection and analysis of the case studies under consideration) and vertically (identification and description of the problem to be studied, definition of the objectives of the study, and operative use of the results obtained). This instrument of analysis, while undoubtedly of great interest and potential, is, however characterized by a considerable methodological complexity, especially when the studies carried out are in the field of the non‐experimental social sciences, and in particular of environmental sciences. Defines six different levels of analysis with reference to a meta‐analytical approach in general, and identifies the most important and characteristic methodological problems for each of these. Also offers a more plausible and appealing way of tackling these problems with particular reference to the field of environmental economics.