[R-meta] stepadj argument ignored in an rma.mv model

[Danka Puric]

Hi everyone!

I'm running a meta-analysis using the rma.mv function and have run into
some issues with the stepadj argument.

One of the models I'm testing won't converge, with the following message:
Error in rma.mv(ES_corrected, SV, random = list(~1 | MA_data$IDeffect,  :
  Optimizer (nlminb) did not achieve convergence (convergence = 1).

Following the advice on this page:
http://www.metafor-project.org/doku.php/tips:convergence_problems_rma?s[]=convergence
I tried increasing the number of iterations (up to maxiter = 10000), but
the model wouldn't converge. I then tried shortening the step length to
stepadj = 0.5. The model still failed to converge, but I also got the
following message:
Warning message:
In nlminb(start = c(con$sigma2.init, con$tau2.init, con$rho.init,  :
  unrecognized control elements named ‘stepadj’ ignored

I get the same message when I try to adjust step length for models that do
converge, so I'm hopeful that this model would also converge if only I
could get the stepadj to work.

Has anyone else had this issue when using stepadj with the rma.mv function?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Best,
Danka

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