Risk Analysis
June 2015 Volume 35, Issue 6 Pages 961–1186
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/risa.2015.35.issue-5/issuetoc

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Special Issue: Special Series on Research Synthesis Methods: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach
Introduction to the Special Series on Research Synthesis: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach (pages 963–970)
Lisa A. Robinson and James K. Hammitt
Article first published online: 17 JUN 2015 | DOI: 10.1111/risa.12437
Abstract
To estimate the effects of a policy change, analysts must often rely on available data as time and resource constraints limit their ability to commission new primary research. Research synthesis methods—including systematic review, meta-analysis, and expert elicitation—play an important role in ensuring that this evidence is appropriately weighed and considered. We present the conclusions of a multidisciplinary Harvard Center for Risk Analysis project that evaluated and applied these methods, and introduce the resulting series of articles. The first step in any analysis is to clearly define the problem to be addressed; the second is a systematic review of the literature. Whether additional analysis is needed depends on the quality and relevance of the available data to the policy question, and the likely effect of uncertainty on the policy decision. Meta-analysis promotes understanding the variation between studies and may be used to combine the estimates to develop values for application in policy analysis. Formal, structured expert elicitation promotes careful consideration of the evidence when data are limited or inconsistent, and aids in extrapolating to the policy context. Regardless of the methods used, clear communication of the approach, assumptions, and uncertainty is essential.

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Macroeconomics of Natural Disasters: Strengths and Weaknesses of Meta-Analysis Versus Review of Literature (pages 1050–1072)
Peter A. G. van Bergeijk and Sara Lazzaroni
Article first published online: 6 APR 2015 | DOI: 10.1111/risa.12372

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Research Synthesis and the Value per Statistical Life (pages 1086–1100)
Lisa A. Robinson and James K. Hammitt
Article first published online: 7 APR 2015 | DOI: 10.1111/risa.12366