Exploring the necessary data requirements to use meta-analysis in ecology
LE3 .A278 2010
2010
Avery, Trevor
Acadia University
Bachelor of Science
Honours
Biology
Currently there is little focus on the use and application of meta- analysis in ecology. This study seeks to highlight the advantages and determine what already available data is necessary to conduct these powerful statistical techniques that allow conclusions to be drawn from the outcomes of multiple studies without collecting new data. Early life history traits of cold ocean marine fish were collected in a database of experimental and observational studies spanning across several decades and obtained from online sources. The Firefox ® plug- in Zotero ® was used for study organization. Specific and raw data were digitally extracted with Engauge ® , and other important statistical information ( meta- information) was extracted from tables and figures of the studies and organized into a Microsoft Excel ® spreadsheet. Initial quantitative analysis consisted of data visualization using SPSS ® and showed high variability among species and fish families. Finally, small meta- analyses were attempted to test its use as a analytical technique. Preliminary analysis shows that 1) Meta- analysis is best served at the species level due to high variability among early life history traits among even closely related species, but meta- analysis may overcome this issue through the use of covariates; 2) Many studies suffer from confounding factors; 3) Many similar studies must be present in order to extract enough data for meta- analysis; and 4) All aspects of a study are important suggesting some standardization of environment reporting is necessary. The goal of this study was met demonstrating the possible use of meta- analysis and a need for further focus of this technique in ecology.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:714
