Mean and Mean difference are the two key statistical measures used in the statistical analysis. Both are essential for meta-analysis as well. Mean and Mean difference are used for the interpretation of a large set of values into a single number which explains the heterogeneity and variation among the individual values. However, one of a common challenge in meta-analysis is the unavailability of this data (mean and standard deviation).
Q & A Forum
Meta Analysis
Q: How should ratio measures (e.g., odds ratios) and continuous outcomes be plotted in a funnel plot?
- Ratio measures (odds ratios, risk ratios) → Should be plotted on a logarithmic scale to ensure symmetry.
- Continuous outcomes (e.g., mean differences, standardized mean differences) → Should use mean differences or standardized mean differences on the horizontal axis.
Since no clear empirical guidelines exist for continuous outcomes, the inverse of the square root of sample size is often used on the vertical axis.
Refernce:
Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. (2011). 10.4.1 Funnel plots. The Cochrane Collaboration. Retrieved from
https://handbook-5-1.cochrane.org/chapter_10/10_4_1_funnel_plots.htm