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PUBLICATION BIAS IN META ANALYSES FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Phone: (201) 541-5688
Email: MICHAELB@META-ANALYSIS.COM
Email: MICHAELB@BETA-ANALYSIS.COM
DESCRIPTION (Applicant's abstract): The goal of this project is to develop
software to address publication bias in meta analysis. The software will
incorporate various computational approaches including procedures that focus on
the presence of bias, others that yield an adjusted effect size, and others
that address the robustness of the conclusions. These procedures will be
integrated with graphical approaches, so that it is clear why bias appears to
exist and how adjustments to effect size are being made. These procedures are
meant to be applied as a key component of any meta analysis, to assess the
likely impact of publication bias on the conclusions. When the impact is
severe, this information will allow the researcher to avoid potentially serious
consequences. When the impact is modest or trivial, this information is also
critically important as it speaks to the validity of the analysis and should be
reported as a key part of the results. The module will include functions to
import data from any program that is being used to run the meta analysis.
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The project will produce a computer program that allows researchers to assess the
potential impact of publication bias on a meta analysis. This program will have wide
application in the fields of mental health research, gerontology, AIDS research, and
cancer research as well as the social sciences. It will be distributed by Biostat, SPSS
and by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *