heterogeneity-source-analysis

name	heterogeneity-source-analysis
description	Identify and classify sources of between-study heterogeneity (clinical, methodological, statistical)
execution	subagent
prompt	./prompt.md
input	study_characteristics, effect_sizes, moderator_candidates
used-by	meta-analysis

Heterogeneity Source Analysis SOP

Systematically identify, classify, and prioritize potential sources of between-study heterogeneity for investigation via subgroup analysis and meta-regression.

When to Use

• When meta-analysis reveals substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 50%)
• During planning of subgroup analyses and meta-regression
• When assessing the transitivity assumption in network meta-analysis

Input

• study_characteristics: Study-level characteristics and covariates
• effect_sizes: Extracted effect sizes showing variation
• moderator_candidates: Pre-specified candidate moderator variables

Output

Classified sources of heterogeneity with investigation priority and statistical analysis plan.