[R-meta] rma.mv-When a higher level can't be modeled because of one row

[Farzad Keyhan]

For clarity, by a solution, I mean how can I account for the
heterogeneity in true effects attributable to "measure", while
"measure" is neither a perfect candidate for being the nestor of
study:

random = ~1 | measure/study/outcome

nor a perfect candidate for being crossed with study:

random = list(~1 | study/outcome, ~1|measure)

Thank you,
Fred


On Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 2:26 PM Farzad Keyhan <f.keyhaniha using gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Dear Experts,
>
> In my toy data below, if in row # 3, "measure" was 2 (instead of 1),
> then, I could take "measure" as a level higher than study:
>
> random = ~1 | measure/study/outcome
>
> But right now, because in study 2 (rows # 3 and 4) "measure" can vary,
> "measure" can't be considered a level higher than study.
>
> On the other hand, because "measure" varies only in one study, I can't
> take "measure" as a crossed random-effect either.
>
> I was wondering what solutions the expert list members might have for
> this situation?
>
> Thanks,
> Fred
>
>    measure row   study   outcome
>    1             1          1       1
>    1             2          1       2
>
> #  1              3          2       1 <--- measure on this row
>     2              4          2       1
>
>     1               5         3       1
>     1               6         3       2