Meta Analysis

In this module students will be introduced to meta-analysis, a powerful statistical technique allowing researchers to synthesize the available evidence for a given research question using standardized (comparable) effect sizes across studies. The sessions teach students how to compute treatment effects, how to compute effect sizes based on correlational studies, how to address questions such as what is the association of bullying victimization with depression? The module will be useful for students who seek to draw statistical conclusions in a standardized manner from literature reviews they are conducting.

• Students need a clear understanding of fundamental statistical concepts, bivariate association and linear regression

Number of sessions: 4

Session 1: Introductory session (systematic reviews and meta-analysis)
Session 2: Using Comprehensive Meta-analysis to calculate effect sizes, run meta-analysis (under fixed/random models) and produce forest plots
Session 3: Heterogeneity in effect sizes: Tau-squared, Tau, and I-squared
Session 4: Sub-group analysis and meta-regression

1. To understand and judge the results produced by a meta-analysis
2. To learn how to compute effects sizes based on dichotomous and continuous data
3. To become familiar with heterogeneity tests
4. To learn how to calculate and report subgroup analysis and meta-regression

• Borenstein, M. Hedges, L.V. Higins, J.P.T. & Rothstein, H.R. (2009) Introduction to Meta-Analysis. Chichester: Wiley
• Lipsey,M.W.& Wilson,D.B. (2001). Practical Meta-Analysis. London:Sage

Click the "Booking" panel on the left-hand sidebar (on a phone, this will be via a link called Booking/Availability near the top of the page).

There may be an online open-book test at the end of the module; for most students, the test is not compulsory.