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In statistics, (between-) study heterogeneity is a phenomenon that commonly occurs when attempting to undertake a meta-analysis. In a simplistic scenario, studies whose results are to be combined in the meta-analysis would all be undertaken in the same way and to the same experimental protocols.
They relate to the validity of the often convenient assumption that the statistical properties of any one part of an overall dataset are the same as any other part. In meta-analysis, which combines the data from several studies, homogeneity measures the differences or similarities between the several studies (see also Study heterogeneity).
Funnel plots, introduced by Light and Pillemer in 1984 [1] and discussed in detail by Matthias Egger and colleagues, [2] [3] are useful adjuncts to meta-analyses. A funnel plot is a scatterplot of treatment effect against a measure of study precision. It is used primarily as a visual aid for detecting bias or systematic heterogeneity.
For example, if both p-values are around 0.10, or if one is around 0.04 and one is around 0.25, the meta-analysis p-value is around 0.05. In statistics , Fisher's method , [ 1 ] [ 2 ] also known as Fisher's combined probability test , is a technique for data fusion or " meta-analysis " (analysis of analyses).
Meta-analysis leads to a shift of emphasis from single studies to multiple studies. It emphasizes the practical importance of the effect size instead of the statistical significance of individual studies. This shift in thinking has been termed "meta-analytic thinking". The results of a meta-analysis are often shown in a forest plot.
Examples of such works are scientific reviews and meta-analyses. These and related practices face various challenges and are a subject of metascience. Various issues with included or available studies such as, for example, heterogeneity of methods used may lead to faulty conclusions of the meta-analysis. [115]
A meta-regression can be classified in the same way—meta-regression and network meta-regression—depending on the number of distinct treatments in the regression analysis. Meta-analysis (and meta-regression) is often placed at the top of the evidence hierarchy provided that the analysis consists of individual participant data of randomized ...
The aim of the PRISMA statement is to help authors improve the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. [3] PRISMA has mainly focused on systematic reviews and meta-analysis of randomized trials, but it can also be used as a basis for reporting reviews of other types of research (e.g., diagnostic studies, observational studies).