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When and how would you conduct a sensitivity or subgroup analysis within your SLR to explore heterogeneity or test the robustness of your findings?

When and how should you perform a sensitivity or subgroup analysis in your SLR to examine heterogeneity or assess the robustness of your findings?

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By Krishnadas Answered 8 months ago

Subgroup analysis is conducted a priori to explore heterogeneity, comparing results across categories like study design or population. Sensitivity analysis tests robustness by repeating the synthesis under different assumptions, such as excluding high-risk-of-bias studies or using alternative statistical models. Both must be planned in your protocol to avoid data dredging and provide credible insights into the consistency and reliability of your main findings.  

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