Introduction to Trial‐Level Subgroup Analysis: A Tutorial
Abstract
This tutorial introduces the concept of trial-level subgroup analysis in meta-analysis. We describe the rationale for conducting subgroup analyses, distinguish trial-level from participant-level characteristics, outline how to properly interpret effects within subgroups, and illustrate how to perform a trial-level subgroup analysis, including formal statistical testing for differences between subgroups. A complementary micro-learning module is provided to support additional learning of these concepts.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Meta-analysis and systematic reviews
Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
Sensory Analysis and Statistical Methods
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- e70100–e70100
- Publication date
- 3 August 2026
- Language
- EN