Publication bias in research synthesis: sensitivity analysis using a priori weight functions.
Publication bias, sometimes known as the "file-drawer problem" or "funnel-plot asymmetry," is common in empirical research. The authors review the implications of publication bias for quantitative research synthesis (meta-analysis) and describe existing techniques for detecting and correcting it. A new approach is proposed that is suitable for application to meta-analytic data sets that are too small for the application of existing methods. The model estimates parameters relevant to fixed-effects, mixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis contingent on a hypothetical pattern of bias that is fixed independently of the data. The authors illustrate this approach for sensitivity analysis using 3 data sets adapted from a commonly cited reference work on research synthesis (H. M. Cooper & L. V. Hedges, 1994).
Vevea
Jack L
JL
Department of Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA. jvevea@ucsc.edu
Woods
Carol M
CM
D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011643:Publishing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012107:Research Design; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity