Sensitivity Analysis in Meta‐Analysis: A Tutorial
Abstract
This tutorial explains when systematic review authors may consider performing a sensitivity analysis in a meta-analysis. Such scenarios include removing studies at high risk of bias, exploring the effect of outliers and examining differences in study characteristics (e.g., participants' age, study design). In addition, examples are provided, as well as advice on how to interpret and report the results. The tutorial also explains the differences between subgroup and sensitivity analyses, as well as describing the disadvantages of a sensitivity analysis. To support this tutorial, a link to an online module, which includes videos and quizzes, is also provided.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- e70067–e70067
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN