The problem with meta-analysis methods today is that there is a very entrenched reliance on the status quo espoused by some prominent methodologists who have put out statements and summaries in publications as recently as 2025 where they dig their heels into these six misconceptions that we should have resolved years ago. The paper below highlights these issues and I would welcome your thoughts and suggestions on where we go from here.
Preprint Six Entrenched Misconceptions About Meta-Analysis Models
I have listed what we believe are the six entrenched misconceptions here for ease of access:
Misconception 1: The chosen parameter assumption determines if we can infer beyond the meta-analytical set of studies.
Misconception 2: The FE model is the only model under the common parameters assumption
Misconception 3: All models that address heterogeneity are RE models
Misconception 4: Diversity in characteristics across trials (heterogeneity) should guide model selection in meta-analysis
Misconception 5: The RE model is the best way to address overdispersion seen with the FE model
Misconception 6: Heterogeneity renders the common parameters assumption to be unrealistic
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