Publication Bias In Meta-analysis: Prevention Assessment And Adjustments Hardcover

Hannah R. Rothstein

Publication bias is the tendency to decide to publish a study based on the results of the study, rather than on the basis of its theoretical or methodological quality. It can arise from selective publication of favorable results, or of statistically significant results. This threatens the validity of conclusions drawn from reviews of published scientific research. Meta-analysis is now used in numerous scientific disciplines, summarizing quantitative evidence from multiple studies. If the literature being synthesised has been affected by publication bias, this in turn biases the meta-analytic results, potentially producing overstated conclusions. Publication Bias in Meta-Analysis examines the different types of publication bias, and presents the methods for estimating and reducing publication bias, or eliminating it altogether. Written by leading experts, adopting a practical and multidisciplinary approach. Provides comprehensive coverage of the topic including: * Different types of publication bias, * Mechanisms that may induce them, * Empirical evidence for their existence, * Statistical methods to address them, * Ways in which they can be avoided. * Features worked examples and common data sets throughout. * Explains and compares all available software used for analysing and reducing publication bias. * Accompanied by a website featuring software, data sets and further material. Publication Bias in Meta-Analysis adopts an inter-disciplinary approach and will make an excellent reference volume for any researchers and graduate students who conduct systematic reviews or meta-analyses. University and medical libraries, as well as pharmaceutical companies and government regulatory agencies, will also find this invaluable.

9780470870143

English

John Wiley and Sons Ltd

38692

376

Hannah R. Rothstein

Alexander J. Sutton

...a useful introduction to meta-analysis and...state-of-the-art description of the statistical problems associated...of particular value as a reference for a multi-disciplinary audience... (Biometrics, June 2006) "I predict that this book will become the key text in the area." (Short Book Reviews, April 2006) "This book will have a wide appeal and is a major contribution to ways of distilling evidence from scientific literature." (Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, June 2006) " ... an incredibly thorough, useful book. The impressive list of contributors ... is the book's particular strength." (JRSSA, Vol. 169, No. 4, October 2006) "...the book definatly succeeds in raising the awareness of the reader to an issue that unfortunately still remains underappreciated" (Psychometrika June 2007) "...likely to become a standard reference for those who carry systematic literature reviews." (Psychometrika, June 2007) "This elegant hardcover book brings together 16 fine contributions and three appendices...It is obviously a must for medical libraries." (Journal of Applied Science, 2007)

Michael Borenstein