Estimation of the correlation coefficient using the Bayesian Approach and its applications for epidemiologic research.
BACKGROUND
The Bayesian approach is one alternative for estimating correlation coefficients in which knowledge from previous studies is incorporated to improve estimation. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the utility of the Bayesian approach for estimating correlations using prior knowledge.


METHODS
The use of the hyperbolic tangent transformation (rho = tanh xi and r = tanh z) enables the investigator to take advantage of the conjugate properties of the normal distribution, which are expressed by combining correlation coefficients from different studies.


CONCLUSIONS
One of the strengths of the proposed method is that the calculations are simple but the accuracy is maintained. Like meta-analysis, it can be seen as a method to combine different correlations from different studies.
Schisterman
Enrique F
EF
Division of Epidemiology, Statistics and Prevention National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. schistee@mail.nih.gov
Moysich
Kirsten B
KB
England
Lucinda J
LJ
Rao
Malla
M
D001499:Bayes Theorem; D001724:Birth Weight; D015340:Epidemiologic Research Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D015430:Weight Gain