The evaluation of meta-analysis techniques for quantifying prescribed fire effects on fuel loadings

by Karen Elsa Kopper

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Published 2009 by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station in Portland, OR .
Written in English

Subjects:

• Prescribed burning -- West (U.S.) -- Statistics,
• Fuel reduction (Wildfire prevention) -- West (U.S.) -- Statistics,
• Forests and forestry -- Fire management -- West (U.S.),
• Meta-analysis

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About the Edition

Models and effect-size metrics for meta-analysis were compared in four separate meta-analyses quantifying surface fuels after prescribed fires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) forests of the Western United States. An aggregated data set was compiled from 8 published reports that contained data from 65 fire treatment units. Downed woody and organic fuels were partitioned into five classes, and four meta-analyses were performed on each in a 2 by 2 factorial combination of fixed-effects vs. mixed-effects models with a difference-based metric (Hedges" d) vs. a ratio-based metric (log-response ratio). All analyses yielded significant effect sizes for each class of fuels, although mixed-effects models had larger confidence intervals around mean effect sizes and smaller ranges in those means. The use of multiple methods produced a robust result for this study, but also carries the danger of selective interpretation if results are contradictory. Meta-analysis in fire research merits further consideration because it facilitates inferences across data sets reported by multiple authors, even when reporting is inconsistent. Nevertheless, standardized methodology, consistent measurement protocols, and complete reporting of both significant and nonsignificant results will greatly assist future synthesis efforts using metaanalysis.

Edition Notes

Statement	Karen E. Kopper, Donald McKenzie and David L. Peterson.
Series	Research paper PNW -- RP-582, Research paper PNW -- 582.
Contributions	McKenzie, Donald., Peterson, David L. 1954-, Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.)
Classifications
LC Classifications	SD421.32.W47 K66 2009
The Physical Object
Pagination	24 p. :
Number of Pages	24
ID Numbers
Open Library	OL23966235M
LC Control Number	2009438211

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