articleCochrane Evidence Synthesis and MethodsJan 1, 2026DIAMOND OA

Sensitivity Analysis in Meta‐Analysis: A Tutorial

University of Dental Medicine at Mandalay · University of Zagreb · +3 more institutions

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

This tutorial explains when systematic review authors may consider performing a sensitivity analysis in a meta-analysis. Such scenarios include removing studies at high risk of bias, exploring the effect of outliers and examining differences in study characteristics (e.g., participants' age, study design). In addition, examples are provided, as well as advice on how to interpret and report the results. The tutorial also explains the differences between subgroup and sensitivity analyses, as well as describing the disadvantages of a sensitivity analysis. To support this tutorial, a link to an online module, which includes videos and quizzes, is also provided.

Citation impact

5
total citations
FWCI
70.84
Percentile
100%
References
3
Too recent for citation history.

Authors

4

Topics & keywords

Keywords
  • Sensitivity (control systems)
  • Advice (programming)
  • Outlier
  • Statistical analysis
  • Systematic error
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Quality Education
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