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Those Confounded Moderators in Meta-Analysis: Good, Bad, and Ugly

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  • Mark W. Lipsey

    (Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies; Center for Evaluation Research and Methodology)

Abstract

One of the more revealing aspects of meta-analysis is the relationship between effect sizes and moderator variables representing differences among studies in their methods, samples, and interventions. However, interesting moderator variables are generally related to each other as well as to effect sizes. This confounding among moderator variables can make the results of any analysis focusing on a single moderator variable misleading. Despite the ambiguity of such results, this form of analysis is common in meta-analytic studies of intervention. The hazards and complexities of investigating and interpreting confounded moderator variables are illustrated in this article by the author's examining the difference in effect sizes associated with randomized versus nonrandomized designs in a large meta-analytic database of delinquency intervention studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark W. Lipsey, 2003. "Those Confounded Moderators in Meta-Analysis: Good, Bad, and Ugly," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 587(1), pages 69-81, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:587:y:2003:i:1:p:69-81
    DOI: 10.1177/0002716202250791
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Weisburd & Cynthia M. Lum & Anthony Petrosino, 2001. "Does Research Design Affect Study Outcomes in Criminal Justice?," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 578(1), pages 50-70, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ali Katebi & Mohammad Hossain HajiZadeh & Ali Bordbar & Amir Masoud Salehi, 2022. "The Relationship Between “Job Satisfaction” and “Job Performance”: A Meta-analysis," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(1), pages 21-42, March.
    2. Friedrich Lösel & Andreas Beelmann, 2003. "Effects of Child Skills Training in Preventing Antisocial Behavior: A Systematic Review of Randomized Evaluations," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 587(1), pages 84-109, May.
    3. Anthony Petrosino, 2003. "Standards for Evidence and Evidence for Standards: The Case of School-Based Drug Prevention," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 587(1), pages 180-207, May.
    4. Kevin Petersen & David Weisburd & Sydney Fay & Elizabeth Eggins & Lorraine Mazerolle, 2023. "Police stops to reduce crime: A systematic review and meta‐analysis," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 19(1), March.

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