title: Inferences about the between-study variance in meta-analysis with normally distributed outcomes.
abstract: This paper presents a new approach for confidence interval estimation of the between-study variance in meta-analysis with normally distributed responses based on the concepts of generalized variables. Simulation study shows that the coverage probabilities of the proposed confidence intervals are generally satisfactory. Moreover, the proposed approach can easily provide P -values for hypothesis testing. For meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials or epidemiological studies, within which the responses are normally distributed, the proposed approach is an ideal candidate for making inference about the between-study variance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, School of Public Health and Health Professions, 249 Farber Hall 3435 Main St. Bldg. 26, Buffalo, NY 14214-3000, USA. ltian@buffalo.edu
authors.forename: Lili
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tian
mesh_terms: D017311:Amlodipine / Q000494:pharmacology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D017311:Amlodipine