META-ANALYSIS
Meta-analysis and the science of research synthesis
- Nature volume555, pages175–182 (08 March 2018)
- doi:10.1038/nature25753
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Abstract
Meta-analysis is the quantitative, scientific synthesis of research results. Since the term and modern approaches to research synthesis were first introduced in the 1970s, meta-analysis has had a revolutionary effect in many scientific fields, helping to establish evidence-based practice and to resolve seemingly contradictory research outcomes. At the same time, its implementation has engendered criticism and controversy, in some cases general and others specific to particular disciplines. Here we take the opportunity provided by the recent fortieth anniversary of meta-analysis to reflect on the accomplishments, limitations, recent advances and directions for future developments in the field of research synthesis.
Bayesian Approach
A Bayesian fixed effects analysis of the Mantel–Haenszel model applied to meta-analysis
Abstract
When performing a meta analysis, it is often necessary to combine results from several 2 × 2 contingency tables. The Mantel–Haenszel model assumes a common measure of association between the treatment and outcome variables across the tables. A Bayesian method is described for drawing inferences regarding the measure of association, for checking the plausibility of the Mantel–Haenszel model, and for drawing inferences regarding the success rates for the individual studies. While the methodology is readily extendable to random effects models, a fixed effects approach avoids the complex statistical modelling of a mixture distribution which is required for the good application of random effects models. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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