title: Meta-analysis of best-evidence synthesis?
abstract: This article examines the usefulness of meta-analysis, and articulates many of the criticisms that have been made of its workings. An attempt is made to outline the precautions that have to be taken before a scientifically useful and meaningful meta-analysis can be carried out. The problems encountered include heterogeneity of samples, conditions, interventions and end-points; narrow focus; curvilinearity of regression; lack of independence of determinants; synergistic interactions; contradictory experimental results. It is suggested that best-evidence synthesis, or theory-directed analysis, might be a safer option.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Eysenck
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D012044:Regression Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results