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Contour-enhanced funnel plots for meta-analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Tom M. Palmer

    (Department of Heath Sciences, University of Leicester)

  • Jaime L. Peters

    (School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology)

  • Alex J. Sutton

    (Department of Heath Sciences, University of Leicester)

  • Santiago G. Moreno

    (Department of Heath Sciences, University of Leicester)

Abstract

Funnel plots are commonly used to investigate publication and related biases in meta-analysis. Although asymmetry in the appearance of a funnel plot is often interpreted as being caused by publication bias, in reality the asymmetry could be due to other factors that cause systematic differences in the results of large and small studies, for example, confounding factors such as differential study quality. Funnel plots can be enhanced by adding contours of statistical significance to aid in interpreting the funnel plot. If studies appear to be missing in areas of low statistical significance, then it is possible that the asymmetry is due to publication bias. If studies appear to be missing in areas of high statistical significance, then publication bias is a less likely cause of the funnel asymmetry. It is proposed that this enhancement to funnel plots should be used routinely for meta-analyses where it is possible that results could be suppressed on the basis of their statistical significance. Copyright 2008 by StataCorp LP.

Suggested Citation

  • Tom M. Palmer & Jaime L. Peters & Alex J. Sutton & Santiago G. Moreno, 2008. "Contour-enhanced funnel plots for meta-analysis," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 8(2), pages 242-254, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:tsj:stataj:v:8:y:2008:i:2:p:242-254
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ross J. Harris & Michael J. Bradburn & Jonathan J. Deeks & Roger M. Harbord & Douglas G. Altman & Jonathan A. C. Sterne, 2008. "metan: fixed- and random-effects meta-analysis," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 8(1), pages 3-28, February.
    2. Thomas J. Steichen & Matthias Egger & Jonathan Sterne, 1999. "Tests for publication bias in meta-analysis," Stata Technical Bulletin, StataCorp LLC, vol. 8(44).
    3. Jonathan A.C. Sterne & Roger M. Harbord, 2004. "Funnel plots in meta-analysis," Stata Journal, StataCorp LLC, vol. 4(2), pages 127-141, June.
    4. Sue Duval & Richard Tweedie, 2000. "Trim and Fill: A Simple Funnel-Plot–Based Method of Testing and Adjusting for Publication Bias in Meta-Analysis," Biometrics, The International Biometric Society, vol. 56(2), pages 455-463, June.
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