Apples to Oranges: Abuse of Meta Analysis

The meta-analysis is traditionally considered to be a high synthesis of extant scientific literature. Their implicit power places them in headlines and they are used to sway policy and reshape fields of research.  However, over the past three decades there has been an explosion in meta-analyses. There are many reasons for this increase, but like everything, as more people are involved, we see a tendency toward abuse of the instrument. There is a trend toward inappropriate comparisons, statistical massaging, and overstepping of data to draw sensational conclusions. Today’s guest is Dr. Geoffrey Kabat, he’s a senior researcher and epidemiologist that has been critical of headline-grabbing syntheses that are rife with author bias, mis-integration of data, and inappropriate comparisons. Dr. Kabat talks about the problem, its effects, and poses some solutions for researchers and other science consumers.

Follow Dr. Kabat on Twitter:  @GeoKabat
Also at geoffreykabat.com

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The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.