Standardized mean difference (SMD) estimation

The standardized mean difference (SMD) summarises the statistical analysis in a meta-analysis when all the studies evaluate the same result but measure it in diverse methods. SMD or means difference (M.D.) is employed when the meta-analysis outcome is a continuous variable. The difference in the means of the treatment group and the control group gives the M.D., whilst SMD is derived by dividing M.D. by the standard deviation (S.D.) drawn from either group.

Based on the choice of S.D., the SMD has types like Cohen’s d, Glass’s Δ, and Hedges’ g. Cohen’s d divides the difference between sample means of a continuous response by the pooled standard deviation. The Hedges’ (adjusted) g employs pooled S.D., where S.D. is based on result data from both the intervention groups, deducing that two groups had similar S.D.s. Glass’ delta (Δ) utilizes S.D. only from the comparator set. Cohen proposed the following criteria to infer the degree of SMD in the social sciences: small SMD = 0.2; medium SMD = 0.5; and large SMD = 0.8.

Author’s Update: Keep up to date on industry advancements, support, and training.

Pubrica Connect: Read articles about research, technology, and health communities daily.

Researcher Academy:Improve your manuscript by learning academic writing skills.

Language editing by Pubrica Author Services:Before submitting your work, double-check that it is written in proper English.

Translation by Pubrica Author Services: Translate your work into English professionally.

Search engine optimization (SEO): Make your article more visible by using SEO.

Your paper, your way: Save time by making your first submission simple.