- Framework of problems / Comprehensive
- Poor consideration of publication bias
- The case of the misleading funnel plot
| Ref ID | 472 |
| First Author | J. Lau |
| Journal | BMJ |
| Year Of Publishing | 2006 |
| URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1570006/pdf/bmj33300597.pdf |
| Keywords |
Publication bias General medical |
| Problem(s) |
Poor consideration of publication bias |
| Number of systematic reviews included | 13 |
| Summary of Findings | The authors highlight that funnel plots are promoted by the Cochrane handbook as a method for assessment of publication bias. However several examples from published systematic reviews discussed by the authors indicate that they are frequently deployed when too few studies or underpowered studies are included in order for such a visual inspection to be meaningful and often that publication bias is erroneously concluded or discounted on the basis of funnel plots. Specific examples are cited within the editorial. |
| Did the article find that the problem(s) led to qualitative changes in interpretation of the results? | No |
| Are the methods of the article described in enough detail to replicate the study? | Yes |