= Solution
Three distinct benefits of a <meta-analysis> are \b[greater precision, an explicit synthesis of the effect, and assessment of variation across studies].
Combining compatible <independent> estimates can reduce the <standard error>, improve <statistical power> and provide more informative <confidence intervals> than individual small trials. A prespecified pooled estimate summarises the direction and magnitude of the evidence quantitatively, instead of informally counting statistically significant results. Finally, <between-study heterogeneity> and subgroup comparisons can reveal whether effects vary with populations or interventions, helping assess generalisability. These benefits require comparable estimands and an appraisal of study validity; pooling cannot repair systematic <within-study bias>.
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