Fixing fixed-effects meta-analysis: some theoretical and practical advances

Kenneth Rice (University of Washington)

Wednesday 1st June, 2022 15:00-16:00 Zoom

Abstract

Meta-analysis is a common tool for synthesizing results of multiple studies, for example combining clinical trial or genetic association signals. Despite being well-established, some of its best-known methods are routinely misunderstood. Specifically, “fixed effects” (in the plural) methods do not require that exact homogeneity is assumed, and “random effects” methods are not the only way to address heterogeneity. This talk aims to fix this mess, providing a precise definition of what fixed-effects methods estimate – and why it is useful – before showing how this helps in practice. With motivating examples, we will give novel methods for better small-sample meta-analysis of quantitative outcomes, proportions, and odds ratios from 2x2 tables. It is hoped that these contributions will foster more direct connection of the questions that meta-analysts wish to answer with the statistical methods they choose.

Add to your calendar

Download event information as iCalendar file (only this event)