Introducing Continuous Time Meta-Analysis (CoTiMA)

Abstract

Meta-analysis of panel data is uniquely suited to uncovering phenomena that develop over time, but extant approaches are limited. There is no straightforward means of aggregating findings of primary panel studies that use different time lags and different numbers of waves. We introduce continuous time meta-analysis (CoTiMA) as a parameter-based approach to meta-analysis of cross-lagged panel correlation matrices. CoTiMA enables aggregation of studies using two or more waves even if there are varying time lags within and between studies. CoTiMA thus provides meta-analytic estimates of cross-lagged effects for a given time lag regardless of the frequency with which that time lag is used in primary studies. We describe the continuous time underpinnings of CoTiMA, its advantages over discrete-time, correlation-based meta-analysis of structural equation models (MASEM), and how CoTiMA would be applied to meta-analysis of panel studies. An example is then used to illustrate the approach. We also conducted Monte Carlo simulations demonstrating that bias is larger for time category–based MASEM than for CoTiMA under various conditions. Finally, we discuss data requirements, open questions, and possible future extensions.