Funnel plot Flashcards
1
Q
What are Funnel plots used for?
A
to demonstrate the existence of publication bias in meta-analyses.
2
Q
Describe how funnel plots are usually drawn i.e. what is found on each axis?
A
treatment effects on the horizontal axis
study size on the vertical axis.
3
Q
If a funnel plot shows a symmetrical, inverted funnel shape, does this indicate a publication bias is likely or unlikely?
A
Unlikely
4
Q
What does an asymmetrical funnel plot indicate?
A
- relationship between treatment effect and study size
=> indicates either publication bias OR
a systematic difference between smaller and larger studies (‘small study effects’)
5
Q
A