Introduction to Meta-Analysis (DUH200)

This course provides an introduction to systematic reviews with a meta-analysis. There are many different types of systematic reviews, but they all have in common that they are a synthesis of existing knowledge, and they utilize transparent and explicitly defined procedures to find, evaluate and synthesize the results of relevant research with minimum bias. In this course, systematic review with a meta-analysis, which is used to analyze and synthesize quantitative research, will be covered.

This course will provide a step-by-step guide for meta-analyses, from developing a research question suited for a meta-analysis to analyze and interpret the data. The course also aims at developing a methodological understanding of both the strengths and weaknesses of meta-analyses.


Course description for study year 2024-2025. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

DUH200

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

1. What are systematic reviews with a meta-analysis?

Here, you will become acquainted with what a meta-analysis is, the value of meta-analyses, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.

2. Stages of a systematic review that includes a meta-analysis

The course will provide an overview of the stages of a systematic review from problem formulation through literature searching, screening, data extraction, meta-analysis and interpretation. At each stage, you will get practice at conducting the methods using freely available tools.

3. Meta-analysis methods

The course will provide an introduction to the three main effect sizes used in meta-analysis: standardized mean differences, correlations and odds ratios. You will also be introduced to basic meta-analysis methods, including estimating the mean effect size and exploring effect size heterogeneity. Graphical techniques for presenting effect sizes and exploring publication bias will also be discussed.

4. Critically appraising research articles in a meta-analysis

Following the introduction to systematic review and meta-anlaysis, we will carefully examine research articles in a meta-analysis and discuss their quality using different appraisal tools and knowledge gained in the course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

By completion of this course, the PhD candidate will have knowledge about:

  • What a meta-analysis is and main principles of evidence synthesis methods
  • The phases in conducting a meta-analysis/ Planning a meta-analysis
  • Statistical analysis including various effect sizes, heterogeneity, moderator analysis, publication bias
  • Interpreting the results/evidence

Skills

By completion of this course, the PhD candidate will have gained following skills:

  • Framing a relevant research question suited for meta-analyses
  • Building a high-quality search strategy
  • Screening for eligible studies
  • Data extraction including assessing the quality of research articles in a meta-analysis
  • Methods for meta-analysis including computing effect sizes and exploring effect size distributions

General competences

  • Critical research literacy
  • Statistical analysis knowledge

Required prerequisite knowledge

Students must be enrolled in a PhD program. PhD candidates at other universities and university colleges in Norway and EEA can apply for admission to the course. The students should also be familiar with basic statistical knowledge.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Portfolio evaluation 1/1 Passed / Not Passed

Active participation and completion of small individual and group assignments during the course, as well as a final paper (min 3000 words), which include writing up a protocol OR evaluating existing meta-analyses. The portfolio is assessed (pass/fail) and participants will receive constructive feedback on their paper.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Therese Deocampo Pigott

Course coordinator:

Serap Keles

Study Program Director:

Hein Berdinesen

Method of work

Lectures, small individual and group assignments during the course, and submission of an individual final paper.

Open for

Students enrolled in a PhD program. If any available space, the admission will also be open to researchers and master students. Applicants may be turned down due limitations in number of places (max. 20 participants).

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto