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Synthesizing Evidence in Public Policy Contexts

Author

Listed:
  • Jeffrey C. Valentine
  • Sandra Jo Wilson
  • David Rindskopf
  • Timothy S. Lau
  • Emily E. Tanner-Smith
  • Martha Yeide
  • Robin LaSota
  • Lisa Foster

Abstract

For a variety of reasons, researchers and evidence-based clearinghouses synthesizing the results of multiple studies often have very few studies that are eligible for any given research question. This situation is less than optimal for meta-analysis as it is usually practiced, that is, by employing inverse variance weights, which allows more informative studies to contribute relatively more to the analysis. This article outlines the choices available for synthesis when there are few studies to synthesize. As background, we review the synthesis practices used in several projects done at the behest of governmental agencies and private foundations. We then discuss the strengths and limitations of different approaches to meta-analysis in a limited information environment. Using examples from the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse as case studies, we conclude with a discussion of Bayesian meta-analysis as a potential solution to the challenges encountered when attempting to draw inferences about the effectiveness of interventions from a small number of studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeffrey C. Valentine & Sandra Jo Wilson & David Rindskopf & Timothy S. Lau & Emily E. Tanner-Smith & Martha Yeide & Robin LaSota & Lisa Foster, 2017. "Synthesizing Evidence in Public Policy Contexts," Evaluation Review, , vol. 41(1), pages 3-26, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:evarev:v:41:y:2017:i:1:p:3-26
    DOI: 10.1177/0193841X16674421
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kerry Dwan & Douglas G Altman & Juan A Arnaiz & Jill Bloom & An-Wen Chan & Eugenia Cronin & Evelyne Decullier & Philippa J Easterbrook & Erik Von Elm & Carrol Gamble & Davina Ghersi & John P A Ioannid, 2008. "Systematic Review of the Empirical Evidence of Study Publication Bias and Outcome Reporting Bias," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 3(8), pages 1-31, August.
    2. Jeffrey C. Valentine & Therese D. Pigott & Hannah R. Rothstein, 2010. "How Many Studies Do You Need?," Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, , vol. 35(2), pages 215-247, April.
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