Research Assistant Position: Publication Bias in the Sciences
Maya Mathur and Prof. Tyler VanderWeele (Public Health)
Summer 2019

Keywords: reproducibility, meta-analysis, replicability, meta-science

Our research is assessing the severity of publication bias in different scientific disciplines (the social sciences, medicine, and the natural sciences). To this end, we are reviewing samples of published meta-analyses in these disciplines and statistically estimating how much publication bias has distorted the results of each meta-analysis. Also, we are investigating whether publication bias varies by the impact factor of the journal where each meta-analyzed paper was published: are high-impact journals the primary source of publication bias? Duties: We are seeking a motivated, organized RA to help collect data for this project over approximately a three-week period from approximately 6/1/18-6/21/18 (but we are flexible about the dates). Additional Information: This is a very flexible position involving a total time commitment of about 30 hours, to be done on your own schedule and from any location you like. This RAship would give you the opportunities to: (1) gain familiarity with reading journal articles and learn about how meta-analyses are conducted; (3) contribute to research that will ultimately help alleviate publication bias in the academic literature; and (4) and be acknowledged on a peer-reviewed journal article. This is a volunteer position with no specific prerequisites. To Apply: please email Maya Mathur (mmathur@stanford.edu) with a CV and a few sentences on why you are interested in the project. (posted 5/2019)