Using information-theoretic approaches for model selection in meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Meta-regression can be used to examine the association between effect size estimates and the characteristics of the studies included in a meta-analysis using regression-type methods. By searching for those characteristics (i.e., moderators) that are related to the effect sizes, we seek to identify a model that represents the best approximation to the underlying data generating mechanism. Model selection via testing, either through a series of univariate models or a model including all moderators, is the most commonly used approach for this purpose. Here, we describe alternative model selection methods based on information criteria, multimodel inference, and relative variable importance. We demonstrate their application using an illustrative example and present results from a simulation stu

SUBMITTER: Cinar O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8359854 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature