PMID: 9450129Feb 5, 1998Paper

Evaluating the statistical conclusion validity of weighted mean results in meta-analysis by analysing funnel graph diagrams

Accident; Analysis and Prevention
R Elvik

Abstract

The validity of weighted mean results estimated in meta-analysis has been criticized. This paper presents a set of simple statistical and graphical techniques that can be used in meta-analysis to evaluate common points of criticism. The graphical techniques are based on funnel graph diagrams. Problems and techniques for dealing with them that are discussed include: (1) the so-called 'apples and oranges' problem, stating that mean results in meta-analysis tend to gloss over important differences that should be highlighted. A test of the homogeneity of results is described for testing the presence of this problem. If results are highly heterogeneous, a random effects model of meta-analysis is more appropriate than the fixed effects model of analysis. (2) The possible presence of skewness in a sample of results. This can be tested by comparing the mode, median and mean of the results in the sample. (3) The possible presence of more than one mode in a sample of results. This can be tested by forming a frequency distribution of the results and examining the shape of this distribution. (4) The sensitivity of the mean to the possible presence of atypical results (outliers) can be tested by comparing the overall mean to the mean of all...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 25, 2006·Personality and Social Psychology Review : an Official Journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc·Lise Solberg Nes, Suzanne C Segerstrom
Mar 8, 2011·Accident; Analysis and Prevention·Ross Owen PhillipsTruls Vaa
Jun 29, 2012·Biology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·Joaquim Radua, David Mataix-Cols
Oct 16, 2007·Annals of Medicine·Damiano BaldassarreCesare R Sirtori
Aug 30, 2019·Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·A EgebergL Mallbris
Jan 1, 2010·Research Synthesis Methods·Judith Anzures-Cabrera, Julian P T Higgins

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