Meta-analysis: common traps and misconceptions

Professor Luke Prendergast

School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, La Trobe University

6:00 ᴘᴍ on Tuesday 13^th April 2021
Cheryl Praeger Lecture Theatre, School of Mathematics and Statistics,
University of Western Australia

Visitors are welcome to attend this branch meeting.

Abstract

Used to combine summary statistics from several sources (eg. published clinical trial outcomes), meta-analysis methods have seen an explosion of usage in recent decades. However, this increase in popularity has come amidst widespread error in application and/or misinterpretation of results that can lead to misleading findings. For someone who has a good understanding of meta-analysis methodologies it is not difficult to find publications with questionable application or interpretations, even in highly reputable journals. For example, we task our data science post graduate students with independently identifying errors and improving validity of the outcomes from recently published analyses. In this talk I will discuss some common problems that can be found and provide some suggestions for how to avoid them. 

About the Speaker

Luke is Associate Head of School, School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences and Director of the Statistics Consulting Platform at La Trobe University. He was previously Head of the Department of Mathematical and Statistics for six years, and President of the Victorian Branch of the Statistical Society of Australia. 

Refreshments and Dinner

Members and guests are invited to mingle over wine and cheese from 5:30 ᴘᴍ onwards in the Cheryl Praeger Lecture Theatre. Following the meeting you are invited to dine with fellow attendees at a nearby restaurant.

Visitors are welcome to attend this branch meeting.

Meeting directions

The Cheryl Praeger Lecture Theatre is located on the ground floor of the Mathematics building at UWA. The entrance is on the outside of the building and next to the Blakers Lecture Theatre. Note that UWA maps this is named as Maths Lecture Room 1. Map links: Google Maps (note this links to Blakers which is next door), Open Street Map.

Parking is free on the UWA campus after 5pm. We suggest using car park 18 from Fairway entry 1.

Non-physical viewing options

For those that cannot make it physically, you may register to view the seminar live over Zoom. Please register on this page for this option.

For further information please contact the Branch Secretary, Rick Tankard, Murdoch University.
He can be reached by email at rick.tankard@murdoch.edu.au or by phone at (08) 9360 2820.