Of apples and oranges, file drawers and garbage: Why validity issues in meta-analysis will not go away

Journal/Book: Clin Psychol Rev. 1997; 17: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 881-901.

Abstract: This paper examines how threats to the validity of meta-analysis have been dealt with by clinical researchers employing this approach to literature review Three validity threats were identified - mixing of dissimilar studies, publication bins, and inclusion of poor quality studies. Approaches to addressing these threats were evaluated for their effectiveness and popularity by surveying 32 published meta-analyses in clinical psychology. Distrust of meta-analysis, however, was found to transcend these validity threats. Other explanations for why this popular research strategy continues to receive widespread criticism were considered. Suggestions were made for how meta-analysis might better address these concerns.

Note: Article Sharpe D, Univ Regina, Dept Psychol, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, CANADA

Keyword(s): COGNITIVE THERAPY; BEHAVIOR-THERAPY; METAANALYTIC REVIEWS; ANXIETY DISORDERS; CLINICAL-TRIALS; PANIC DISORDER; EFFECT SIZES; PSYCHOTHERAPY; EFFICACY; DEPRESSION

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