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[R-meta] Question regarding non-linear effects in meta-regression

2 messages · Jens Schüler, Michael Dewey

#
Hi all,

 

I am currently investigating the possibility of assessing non-linear effects
in a meta-regression.

For example, I am interested in the relationship between risk-taking and
performance, and I want to assess whether the mean score of risk taking has
a non-linear moderating effect on that relationship.

 

I had a look at Wolfgang?s previous examples on adding restricted cubic
splines to mixed effects models via the rms package e.g. 

https://stats.stackexchange.com/questions/279668/meta-regression-using-restr
icted-cubic-splines-with-rma-from-the-metafor-pack?rq=1

https://stat.ethz.ch/pipermail/r-sig-meta-analysis/2018-February/000551.html


 

and looked a bit into Frank Harrell?s book concerning the adequate number
and location of nodes.

 

My question now is, how do I determine/test whether the plotted spline is
actually significant/meaningful?

I am a bit unsure what I should make of the mixed effects model results in
that regard or if I have to perform additional tests.

 

 

Best

Jens


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Dear Jens

Comments in line
On 24/04/2018 12:38, Jens Sch?ler wrote:
I would suggest that looking at the plot as suggested in the examples to 
which you link is the best way to visualise and explain to others what 
exactly is going on with your moderator.

If you want a formal test then comparing a model with and without the 
spline using anova() would seem the way to go.