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Table 1 Type I (alpha) and type II (beta) error [6].

From: Critical appraisal of meta-analyses: an introductory guide for the practicing surgeon

  

Truth in the overall patient population

  

Treatment difference

No treatment difference

Study results

Treatment difference

   A. Correct conclusion

   B. Type I error (false-positive result)

 

No treatment difference

   C. Type II error (false-negative result)

   D. Correct conclusion