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Meta‐mining: The political economy of meta‐analysis

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  • Martin Paldam

Abstract

Meta‐analysis studies the literature reporting estimates of one parameter, which at present is assumed positive. The purpose of the analysis is to find the best meta‐average, which corrects the mean of the estimates for bias. The two main biases are: (i) Publication bias, where the correction nearly always makes the average smaller. (ii) Omitted variable bias, where the correction typically makes the average larger. Consequently, the bias is likely to increase if the correction is for the wrong bias. This allows a game of meta‐mining to be played. A case study demonstrates the scope for meta‐mining, and that it has been done. The game of meta‐mining is surely against the purpose of meta‐analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Paldam, 2023. "Meta‐mining: The political economy of meta‐analysis," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(1), pages 125-140, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:kyklos:v:76:y:2023:i:1:p:125-140
    DOI: 10.1111/kykl.12321
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John P. A. Ioannidis & T. D. Stanley & Hristos Doucouliagos, 2017. "The Power of Bias in Economics Research," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 127(605), pages 236-265, October.
    2. Henrik Hansen & Finn Tarp, 2000. "Aid effectiveness disputed," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(3), pages 375-398, April.
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    4. Paldam,Martin, 2021. "The Grand Pattern of Development and the Transition of Institutions," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781316515501, September.
    5. Hristos Doucouliagos & Martin Paldam, 2006. "Aid Effectiveness on Accumulation: A Meta Study," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 59(2), pages 227-254, May.
    6. Doucouliagos, Hristos & Paldam, Martin & Stanley, T.D., 2018. "Skating on thin evidence: Implications for public policy," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 16-25.
    7. Doucouliagos, Hristos & Paldam, Martin, 2011. "The ineffectiveness of development aid on growth: An update," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 399-404, June.
    8. David Dollar & Craig Burnside, 2000. "Aid, Policies, and Growth," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 90(4), pages 847-868, September.
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