Article
Study objective: to provide a theoretical justification for the concept of two-level modeling of the object of pedagogical research.
Study Methods and Organization: The following methods were used in the theoretical and methodological research: epistemological analysis (to distinguish between the functions of a literature review and meta-analysis), theoretical modeling (to construct a conceptual and operational model of the object), and a comparison method (to compare traditional and evidence-based approaches to the formulation of the research apparatus). The literature search and selection algorithm was carried out using the PICOS structured question protocol, statistical synthesis was carried out using inverse variance weighting methods and random effects models, and reporting was generated according to the PRISMA 2020 standard.
Study Results and Discussion: Based on the study's findings, a methodological distinction is proposed between the functions of a literature review and a meta-analysis: the former is essential for defining the object of study and constructing a conceptual model, while the latter is necessary for developing an operational model of the pedagogical intervention (control action), refining the subject of study, and formulating the hypothesis and its implications.
Conclusion: Integrating a literature review with a meta-analysis constitutes a comprehensive cycle for developing an operational model of the subject under pedagogical study in the field of physical education and sports. This approach helps mitigate the methodological risk of HARKing (Hypothesizing After the Results are Known) and enables a transition from the intuitive design of pedagogical methods to the evidence-based modeling of training interventions, grounded in structured scientific facts and proven theories.
Borokhovsky, E. F. Quantitative syntheses in the social sciences: methodology and practice of meta-analysis. Part 1 / E. F. Borohovsky, R. M. Bernard // Psychology. Economy. Right.– 2013. – № 2. – pp. 6-15.
The influence of tennis on the physical training of children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Q. Luo, Y. Wang, M. Zhang [et al.] // Science and sport: current trends. – 2025. – Vol. 13. – № 1(49). – pp. 85-92.
Results of the examination of dissertation research in the field of physical culture and sports in 2025 (scientific specialties 5.8.4, 5.8.5, 5.8.6) / O. G. Rumba, A. A. Gorelov, A. A. Zaitsev, I. V. Manzheley // Science and sport: current trends. – 2026. – Vol. 14. – № 1(53). – pp. 174-186. – DOI 10.36028/2308-8826-2026-14-1-174-186.
Trifonova, I. S. Scientific problem in the structure of pedagogical research: methodological requirements and implementation options / I. S. Trifonova // News of the Volgograd State Pedagogical University. – 2025. – № 6(199). – pp. 12-18.
Khubbiev, Sh. Z. Methodological characteristics of the dissertation work devoted to the development of the problem of physical training of military personnel / Sh. Z. Khubbiev // Current problems of physical and special training of security forces. – 2022. – № 2. – pp. 75-81.
Cherepanov, V. S. Reactivity of the cardiovascular system, hemodynamic changes and muscle oxygenation in athletes of cyclic and team sports during stress testing: a review of modern research / V. S. Cherepanov, A. S. Aminov, A. S. Bakhareva // Science and sport: current trends. – 2025. – Vol. 13. – № 2(50). – pp. 31-37. – DOI 10.36028/2308-8826-2025-13-2-31-37.
Yakimovich, V. S. Methodology for preparing dissertation research / V. S. Yakimovich // Physical education and sports training. – 2022. – № 1(39). – pp. 7-16.
Advancing literature review methodology through rigour, generativity, scope and transparency / D. Fan, D. Breslin, J. L. Callahan, M. Iszatt‐White // International journal of management reviews. – 2022. – Vol. 24. – №. 2. – pp. 171-180.
Barroga, E. A practical guide to writing quantitative and qualitative research questions and hypotheses in scholarly articles / E. Barroga, G. J. Matanguihan // Journal of Korean medical science. – 2022. – Vol. 37. – №. 16. – e121
Basic aspects of meta-analysis. Part 1 / A. Yu. Suvorov, I. V. Latushkina, K. А. Gulyaeva [et al.] // Sechenov Medical Journal. – 2023. – Vol. 14. – №. 1. – pp. 4-14. – DOI 10.47093/2218-7332.2023.14.1.4-14.
Biomechanical risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Y. Wang, Z. Luo, L. Kapilevich [et al.] // Science and sport: current trends. – 2025. – Vol. 13. – №. 1(49). – pp. 181-194. – DOI 10.36028/2308-8826-2025-13-1-181-194.
Chigbu, U. E. The science of literature reviews: Searching, identifying, selecting, and synthesising / U. E. Chigbu, S. O. Atiku, C. C. Du Plessis // Publications. – 2023. – Vol. 11. – №. 1. – P. 2.
Ioannidis, J. P. A. Why most published research findings are false / J. P. A. Ioannidis // PLoS medicine. – 2005. – Vol. 2. – №. 8. – P. e124.
Kerr, N. L. HARKing: Hypothesizing after the results are known / N. L. Kerr // Personality and social psychology review. – 1998. – Vol. 2. – №. 3. – pp. 196-217.
Lim, W. M. Advancing knowledge through literature reviews: «what», «why», and «how to contribute» / W. M. Lim, S. Kumar, F. Ali // The Service Industries Journal. – 2022. – Vol. 42. – №. 7-8. – pp. 481-513.
Literature reviews as independent studies: guidelines for academic practice / S. Kraus, M. Breier, W. M. Lim [et al.] // Review of managerial science. – 2022. – Vol. 16. – №. 8. – pp. 2577-2595.
Research hypothesis: a brief history, central role in scientific inquiry, and characteristics / A. Ghasemi, F. Hosseinpanah, K. Kashfi, Z. Bahadoran // Addiction & health. – 2025. – Vol. 17. – P. 1623.
Rosenthal, R. Meta-analysis: Recent developments in quantitative methods for literature reviews / R. Rosenthal, M. R. DiMatteo // Annual review of psychology. – 2001. – Vol. 52. – №. 1. – pp. 59-82.
