Discussion Paper
No. 2015-9 | February 17, 2015
W. Robert Reed, Raymond J.G.M. Florax and Jacques Poot
A Monte Carlo Analysis of Alternative Meta-Analysis Estimators in the Presence of Publication Bias
(Published in Meta-Analysis in Theory and Practice)

Abstract

This study uses Monte Carlo analysis to investigate the performances of five different meta-analysis (MA) estimators: the Fixed Effects (FE) estimator, the Weighted Least Squares (WLS) estimator, the Random Effects (RE) estimator, the Precision Effect Test (PET) estimator, and the Precision Effect Estimate with Standard Errors (PEESE) estimator. The authors consider two types of publication bias: publication bias directed against statistically insignificant estimates, and publication bias directed against wrong-signed estimates. Finally, the authors consider three cases concerning the distribution of the "true effect": the Fixed Effects case, where there is only one estimate per study, and all studies have the same true effect; the Random Effects case, where there is only one estimate per study, and there is heterogeneity in true effects across studies; and the Panel Random Effects case, where studies have multiple estimates, and true effects are random both across and within studies. The simulations produce a number of findings that challenge results from previous research.

JEL Classification:

B41, C15, C18

Links

Cite As

[Please cite the corresponding journal article] W. Robert Reed, Raymond J.G.M. Florax, and Jacques Poot (2015). A Monte Carlo Analysis of Alternative Meta-Analysis Estimators in the Presence of Publication Bias. Economics Discussion Papers, No 2015-9, Kiel Institute for the World Economy. http://www.economics-ejournal.org/economics/discussionpapers/2015-9


Comments and Questions



Tomáš Havránek, Institute of Economic Studies, Charles University, Prague - Referee report 1
March 13, 2015 - 08:56
see attached file

W. Robert Reed - Responses to referee report 1
March 16, 2015 - 08:46
see attached file

Anonymous - Referee report 2
March 26, 2015 - 12:54
see attached file

W. Robert Reed - Responses to referee report 2
April 02, 2015 - 06:56
See attached fie

T.D. Stanley, Hendrix College - Reader comment
April 23, 2015 - 09:23
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W. Robert Reed - Reply to comment
June 08, 2015 - 08:43
see attached file