To the Editor: In our article on the association between the COMT gene and schizophrenia, we identified the Val allele as a putative risk factor through meta-analysis. In characterizing this work as an attempt to "resurrect" and "manipulate" negative genetic studies to "obtain a desired result," Dr. Pittelli highlights common misconceptions about meta-analysis and psychiatric genetics. Our methods are neither mystical nor underhanded; rather, they are widely recognized and commonly employed statistical tools for clarifying difficult research questions. The obtained result was not the "desired" result, although it was hypothesized on the basis of prior work. In meta-analysis, there is little one can do after establishing inclusion criteria (which in our study, we contend, were quite liberal and fair) to influence the results.