Meta-analyses play an instrumental role in informing second language (L2) theory and practice. However, current (i.e., classic) approaches to meta-analysis are limited in their ability to do so because they often fail to capture the complexity inherent in primary studies’ research designs. As we argue in this article, when complex L2 studies are represented by simplistic meta-analyses, the latter cannot reach its potential to contribute to the development of cumulative knowledge. To mitigate this issue, we first discuss the fundamental problems of the classic approaches to meta-analysis of complex L2 research. Second, we introduce an alternative meta-analytic framework that will address those problems. Third, we apply the meta-analytic framework discussed to a complex L2 domain. Fourth, we offer free software to facilitate the conduct of the alternative meta-analytic approach described. Finally, we discuss the implications of this alternative framework for making evidence-based recommendations to the relevant stakeholders.

荟萃分析在为第二语言 (L2) 理论和实践提供信息方面发挥着重要作用。然而，当前（即经典）荟萃分析方法的能力有限，因为它们常常无法捕捉初级研究的研究设计所固有的复杂性。正如我们在本文中所讨论的，当复杂的二语研究用简单的荟萃分析来表示时，后者无法发挥其对累积知识的发展做出贡献的潜力。为了缓解这个问题，我们首先讨论复杂 L2 研究元分析的经典方法的基本问题。其次，我们引入了一个替代的元分析框架来解决这些问题。第三，我们将讨论的元分析框架应用于复杂的 L2 域。第四，我们提供免费软件来促进所述替代元分析方法的进行。最后，我们讨论了这一替代框架对向相关利益相关者提出基于证据的建议的影响。