Evolving Meta-analysis: Informing Policy & Combating Misinformation

Oregon Convention Center 

Meta-analysis is a statistical method that combines the results of multiple high quality published studies investigating similar research questions. It involves systematically searching, appraising, and selecting studies for synthesizing of the results. However, studies with positive findings are more likely to be published (publication bias) that can potentially skew the findings. My 1991 thesis under Dr. C.R. Rao addressed this and sparked my passion for biostatistics. I'll provide a review of the progress in this field over the last thirty years and demonstrate how it could be used for informing policy and countering misinformation. Inspired by Dr. Rao's curiosity, I'll also discuss the importance of constantly exploring new methods and applications.