CRA Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis 2

Question 1

Which statistical measure quantifies the degree of inconsistency among studies in a meta-analysis?

Accepted Answer

I² statistic

Answer

The I² statistic estimates the proportion of total variation across studies attributable to heterogeneity rather than chance.

Question 2

A funnel plot in meta-analysis is primarily used to detect:

Accepted Answer

Publication bias

Answer

Funnel plots display study effect sizes against their standard errors, and asymmetry suggests potential publication bias.

Question 3

In a systematic review, what does a PRISMA flow diagram document?

Accepted Answer

The number of records identified, screened, and included/excluded

Answer

PRISMA flow diagrams transparently track the study selection process from initial database searches through final inclusion.

Question 4

Which model assumes that the true effect size varies across studies and should be used when substantial heterogeneity exists?

Accepted Answer

Random-effects model

Answer

The random-effects model accounts for between-study variance (τ²), making it appropriate when studies estimate different underlying true effects.

Question 5

The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2) assesses bias across which domain specific to randomization?

Accepted Answer

Bias arising from the randomization process

Answer

RoB 2's first domain evaluates whether the randomization sequence was adequately generated and concealed.

(CRA) Certified Research Associate Practice Test