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Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis Flashcards

7 cards from real CRA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis flashcards as text

  1. Subgroup analysis in a meta-analysis should ideally be:

    Answer: Pre-specified in the review protocol before data extraction

    Pre-specifying subgroup analyses in the protocol prevents data-dredging and reduces the risk of spurious findings from multiple comparisons.

  2. The AMSTAR-2 tool is used in systematic reviews to assess:

    Answer: Methodological quality of the systematic review itself

    AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) evaluates the conduct and reporting quality of the review, not the primary studies.

  3. In a meta-analysis using the random-effects model, τ² (tau-squared) represents:

    Answer: Between-study variance in true effect sizes

    τ² is the estimated variance of the distribution of true effects across studies, quantifying between-study heterogeneity in a random-effects model.

  4. Which type of systematic review maps the available evidence on a broad topic without assessing study quality or synthesizing findings?

    Answer: Scoping review

    Scoping reviews map the extent, range, and nature of evidence on a topic and are used to identify gaps, not to answer precise clinical questions.

  5. An umbrella review synthesizes evidence from:

    Answer: Multiple systematic reviews on related topics

    Umbrella reviews compile and appraise multiple systematic reviews or meta-analyses addressing related questions to provide a high-level overview of evidence.

  6. Egger's test in meta-analysis statistically evaluates:

    Answer: Funnel plot asymmetry as a proxy for publication bias

    Egger's test uses weighted linear regression of standardized effect sizes on their precision to detect statistically significant funnel plot asymmetry.

  7. Which feature distinguishes an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis from an aggregate data meta-analysis?

    Answer: IPD meta-analyses use raw data from each participant rather than published summary statistics

    IPD meta-analyses obtain and re-analyze the raw data from each study participant, enabling more flexible modeling and subgroup analyses than aggregate approaches.