Abstract
A range of statistical synthesis methods are available, and these may be divided into three categories based on their preferability. Preferable methods are the meta-analysis methods. This chapter focuses on methods that might be considered when a meta-analysis of effect estimates is not possible due to incompletely reported data in the primary studies. These methods divide into those that are ‘acceptable’ and ‘unacceptable’. The ‘acceptable’ methods differ in the data they require, the hypotheses they address, limitations around their use, and the conclusions and recommendations that can be drawn. The ‘unacceptable’ methods in common use are described, along with the reasons for why they are problematic. Visual display and presentation of data is especially important for transparent reporting in reviews without meta-analysis, and should be considered irrespective of whether synthesis is undertaken. Tables and plots structure information to show patterns in the data and convey detailed information more efficiently than text.
Keywords
Computer scienceData sciencePresentation (obstetrics)Information retrievalRange (aeronautics)Statistical analysisData miningStatisticsMedicineMathematicsEngineering
Affiliated Institutions
Related Publications
Explaining heterogeneity in meta-analysis: a comparison of methods
Exploring the possible reasons for heterogeneity between studies is an important aspect of conducting a meta-analysis. This paper compares a number of methods which can be used ...
Effect size, confidence interval and statistical significance: a practical guide for biologists
Abstract Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is the dominant statistical approach in biology, although it has many, frequently unappreciated, problems. Most importantly,...
The Magic of Randomization versus the Myth of Real-World Evidence
Nonrandomized observational analyses have been promoted as alternatives to randomized clinical trials. However, randomization ensures balance between groups, whereas nonrandomiz...
The ARRIVE guidelines 2.0: Updated guidelines for reporting animal research
Abstract Reproducible science requires transparent reporting. The ARRIVE guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) were originally developed in 2010 to impr...
Statistical Problems in the Reporting of Clinical Trials
Reports of clinical trials often contain a wealth of data comparing treatments. This can lead to problems in interpretation, particularly when significance testing is used exten...
Publication Info
- Year
- 2019
- Type
- other
- Pages
- 321-347
- Citations
- 310
- Access
- Closed
External Links
Social Impact
Altmetric
PlumX Metrics
Social media, news, blog, policy document mentions
Citation Metrics
310
OpenAlex
Cite This
Joanne E. McKenzie,
Sue Brennan
(2019).
Synthesizing and presenting findings using other methods.
, 321-347.
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119536604.ch12
Identifiers
- DOI
- 10.1002/9781119536604.ch12