Why we need a living meta-analysis of self-determination theory: an illustration examining temporal changes in need supportive education

This article introduces the concept of a living meta-analysis, and presents a prototype specific to the field of Self-Determination Theory. This living meta-analysis is proposed to supplement the current journal article-based system of knowledge storage and synthesis, and will (a) increase the consumptive capabilities of researchers (i.e., the amount of research to which one is exposed), (b) minimize cognitive biases that influence scientific knowledge, (c) reduce the file-drawer problem, and (d) create new knowledge through mass synthesis of existing research. We then exemplify a potential use of this recently developed living meta-analysis of Self-Determination Theory by examining whether prevalence of autonomy supportive educational contexts have changed over time, and whether countries display mean differences. We also examine if national level indicators predict these differences. The proposed living meta-analysis and associated norms, much like the recent norm of publicly available data, may be viewed as an industry standard in the near future.