[R-meta] Can we call moderators in subgroup analysis predictors?

[Simon Harmel]

Hi Wolfgang,

Thank you very much. To be clear, you're approving of my response, correct?

Best,
Simon


On Sun, Dec 20, 2020 at 6:05 AM Viechtbauer, Wolfgang (SP) <
wolfgang.viechtbauer using maastrichtuniversity.nl> wrote:

> I think the reviewer uses the term "meta-analysis" exclusively when
> pooling a bunch of effects into a single weighted average. So, to him/her,
> it does not make sense to say that there are
> predictors/moderators/covariates (whatever you want to call them) in a
> meta-analysis. If there are predictors in the model, then the reviewer
> wants this to be called "meta-regression" and not "meta-analysis with
> predictors". I don't think the comment has anything to do with whether you
> use the term predictor or moderator.
>
> Best,
> Wolfgang
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: R-sig-meta-analysis [mailto:
> r-sig-meta-analysis-bounces using r-project.org]
> >On Behalf Of Simon Harmel
> >Sent: Sunday, 20 December, 2020 0:39
> >To: Michael Dewey
> >Cc: R meta
> >Subject: Re: [R-meta] Can we call moderators in subgroup analysis
> >predictors?
> >
> >Thank you Michael. I had the same reaction. So, this was from a reviewer
> >who mentioned:
> >
> >"You say moderators will eventually serve as predictors in a
> meta-analysis,
> >are you referring to meta-regression here? Moderators are not used as
> >predictors in a classic meta-analysis which simply pools all the effects
> >into a weighted effect size."
> >
> > My response was:
> >
> >". . . In both cases, categorical moderators/predictors act as on-and-off
> >switches. I always prefer the meta-regression as it reveals the partial
> >effect of one moderator controlling for other moderators. But again, in my
> >context it is fine to generally use the term predictor. I think some may
> >even find the term moderator confusing because in general it may denote
> >some kind of interactional effect".
> >
> >Just wanted to make sure I'm not too far off.
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Simon
> >
> >On Sat, Dec 19, 2020 at 4:32 AM Michael Dewey <lists using dewey.myzen.co.uk>
> >wrote:
> >
> >> Dear Simon
> >>
> >> My immediate thought is, "Yes, why not?" but do you have some deep doubt
> >> you want to share with us?
> >>
> >> Michael
> >>
> >> On 18/12/2020 22:51, Simon Harmel wrote:
> >> > For clarification, I'm only concerned with categorical moderators.
> >> >
> >> > Thanks again,
> >> > Simon
> >> >
> >> > On Fri, Dec 18, 2020 at 3:33 PM Simon Harmel <sim.harmel using gmail.com>
> >> wrote:
> >> >
> >> >> Hello All,
> >> >>
> >> >> A quick question. In classic meta-analysis, moderators help to form
> >> groups
> >> >> of studies and conduct meta analysis separately in each group.
> >> >>
> >> >> In meta-regression, moderators are directly predictors of effect size
> >> in a
> >> >> regression analysis.
> >> >>
> >> >> But, can we still call moderators in classic meta-analysis predictors
> >of
> >> >> effect size?
> >> >>
> >> >> Thank you,
> >> >> Simon
>

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