Meaning of metabias | Babel Free

Definitions

A biasing factor, such as publication bias, that results in the available data becoming artificially skewed.

Examples

“An algorithm needs some method of altering its base⟳ bias as it is presented with sets of instances. The major claim⟳ of this paper is that, as the vast majority of algorithms are intended for use⟳ on a collection of problem instances, that meta bias is therefore necessary. Evidence for the fact that algorithms are intended to be reused is that the proponents of newly proposed algorithm test⟳ them on a number⟳ of problem instances which are reported in their papers. Meta bias is any mechanism which can adjust the base⟳ bias (see⟳ figure⟳ 2 i.e. it is a probability distribution over a set⟳ of base⟳ biases).”

“One of the most important metabiases is reporting bias. Only about 50% of randomised trials ultimately reach⟳ publication in a journal indexed in a major electronic database”

“Given the topic of this review⟳, formal assessment of metabiases such as publication bias or selective reporting within studies was not feasible.”

“Heterogeneity across the studies was tested with the Cochran Q and I2 statistics. We considered an I2 statistic of >25% as a low degree of heterogeneity, >50% as moderate heterogeneity, and >75% as high heterogeneity. To ascertain potential meta-bias, a funnel plot was qualitatively assessed for asymmetry.”

“Metabiases / We will plot study⟳ sample size against effect size to evaluate⟳ whether these are skewed and asymmetrical in the presence of publication bias and other biases. In addition, the risk⟳ of bias assessment tools will identify⟳ whether studies indicate⟳ selective reporting of outcomes, which we will summarise across studies if possible.”

CEFR level