The "LFK" index has been promoted as an improved method to detect bias in meta-analysis. Putatively, its performance does not depend on the number of studies in the meta-analysis. We conducted a simulation study, comparing the "LFK" index test to three standard tests for funnel plot asymmetry in settings with smaller or larger…

Studies combined in a meta-analysis often have differences in their design and conduct that can lead to heterogeneous results. A random-effects model accounts for these differences in the underlying study effects, which includes a heterogeneity variance parameter. The DerSimonian-Laird method is often used to estimate the heterogeneity variance,…

This article discusses the nonuse, misuse, and proper use of pilot studies in experimental evaluation research. The authors first show that there is little theoretical, practical, or empirical guidance available to researchers who seek to incorporate pilot studies into experimental evaluation research designs. The authors then discuss how pilot…

The "Journal of Political Science Education (JPSE)" provides over a decade of research on political science pedagogy, featuring empirical research documenting best practices in the field. This article provides an overview of "JPSE"-published research on the topics of civic education and engagement. It summarizes the number and…

Objective: To systematically review current literature to determine whether active learning is more successful than passive learning at producing cognitive skills in health care professions students. Data Sources: An electronic search was conducted in 4 databases: EBSCO-CINAHL, EBSCO-Sport Discus, Educational Resources Information Center, and…

Learners are becoming increasingly divers. They may have much personal, social, cultural, psychological, and cognitive diversity. Forming suitable learning groups represents, therefore, a hard and time-consuming task. In Mobile Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (MCSCL) environments, this task is more difficult. Instructors need to consider…

Reliable and valid methods to evaluate student competence are needed in social work education, and practice examinations with standardized clients may hold promise for social work. The authors conducted a critical appraisal of standardized client simulations used in social work education to assess their effectiveness for teaching and for…

Considerable research has been conducted on the use of the findings of program evaluation, but little, if any, attention has been paid to the soundness of the methods of this research. If the methods are not sound or not well described in the research, the strength of the conclusions of the research is unknown. The authors examine the empirical…

Reviews the literature on debriefing and identifies the essential elements and phases of the debriefing process. A model for systematic assessment of debriefing is presented which consists of five sets of questions that focus on learning objectives, situational constraints, the debriefing strategy, implementation of the strategy, and the…

Requirements for the games and simulations available in economics education surveyed range from simple equipment to computer facilities. Some attempts at game and simulation evaluation are summarized and criticized in general and in the context of economics education. Comments on the evolving literature on principles of game design are included.…

The literature on the use of standardized patients, lay persons trained to portray a particular patient, is reviewed, focusing on their use in medical education and potential applications in dental education. A test of 80 dental students using standardized patients is also described and evaluated. (MSE)

This report summarizes transfer of training methodologies, beginning with a discussion that defines simulators, fidelity, and realism, and briefly reviews simulator use in training. Two types of training are identified--training for system operation and training for maintenance (troubleshooting). An outline categorizes current research issues on…

This paper provides the results of a literature review on the use of practical, hands-on training experiences in evaluation course work and training programs. The review spans the years 1965-2003. I identified 18 articles that encompass four basic approaches for practical evaluation training: simulation, role-play, single course projects, and…

Literature concerning the validity and reliability of both written and computer-based simulations in assessing clinical competence in the health professions is reviewed, and suggestions are given for the improvement of the psychometric qualities of simulation-based tests. (MSE)

Discussion of difficulties in evaluating simulations and games as teaching techniques includes range of claims made for the techniques; variety available; lack of specificity of technique objectives at design stage; limitations of objective-oriented research; inherent difficulties of comparative evaluation against alternative techniques; and…