Work

I2 Statistic as a Test for Selection Bias in Randomised Controlled Trials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This technical report demonstrates that the use of the I2 statistic for testing selection bias in single randomised controlled trials (RCTs) has the potential to allow the prevention of false-positive test results, thereby allowing for high test specificity and a high positive predictive value. In addition, the I2 statistic provides utility for the in-depth identification of low-level selection bias in RCTs, thus assisting in the avoidance of false-negative test results and possibly for estimating the percentage of trial patients with biased allocation into RCT treatment groups. Future studies to this topic may investigate whether cases with I2 estimates above 0%, due to chance rather than selection bias, are possible and, if so, how to distinguish such cases from those with very low bias levels. Future studies may also test the null hypothesis that levels of selection bias are not associated with any over- or underestimation of the true effect estimates of RCTs.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.84769

Authors: Steffen Mickenautsch, Veerasamy Yengopal

Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Western Cape

Language: English

Topic: Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410718280