& x20;Which statement is correct regarding assessment of heterogeneity in meta-analysis? - INI-CET EXAM -2026

INI-CET EXAM -2026

Nursing Research & Statistic

Medium

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

Heterogeneity in the context of a meta-analysis refers to the variation or differences in the outcomes (effect estimates) among the individual studies being combined.
The primary purpose of assessing heterogeneity is to evaluate the consistency of results across these studies.
This assessment helps researchers decide if it is appropriate to pool the results into a single, meaningful summary estimate.
Statistical tests like the I2 statistic are used to quantify the degree of this variability, distinguishing true differences from random chance.

Option A: This is incorrect because it confuses heterogeneity with publication bias. Publication bias is the tendency for studies with statistically significant results to be published more frequently, which is a different source of error in a meta-analysis.
Option C: This statement is false. A meta-analysis works with the data as reported in the primary studies. It cannot retrospectively alter the original study's design or analysis to remove confounding variables.
Option D: This describes the process of pooling data to get a summary effect, which is the main goal of a meta-analysis, but it is not what the assessment of heterogeneity itself does. Heterogeneity assessment is the step that determines if that pooling is statistically justifiable.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Heterogeneity in Meta-Analysis to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses rely on meta-analyses for the highest level of evidence. Understanding heterogeneity is crucial for critically appraising the quality and reliability of that evidence before applying it to practice.
High heterogeneity (e.g., an I2 value greater than 75%) is a major red flag. It suggests the pooled result may not be reliable or generalizable because the included studies are too different from one another.
What if? If a meta-analysis on a new wound care dressing showed high heterogeneity, a nurse should not blindly adopt the summary finding. Instead, they should investigate the source of the variation (e.g., different patient populations, wound types, or comparison dressings) to see if the positive effect only applies to a specific subgroup relevant to their patient.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question: 'assessment of heterogeneity in meta-analysis'.
Define heterogeneity in your mind: It's about the level of difference, variation, or inconsistency in the results of the studies being combined.
Evaluate each option against this core definition.
Option A discusses 'publication bias,' a separate concept. Eliminate it.
Option B mentions 'degree of variability in results,' which directly matches the definition of heterogeneity. This is a strong candidate.
Option C claims to 'remove confounding variables,' which a meta-analysis cannot do to the original studies. Eliminate it.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 NursingResearch Polit 11e Part 2 pp. 255-257, 254-256