The paper explores the conceptual bases of the controversy over meta analysis and computes it with traditional research on four dimensions: (1) scientific rigor, (2) detecting small effects, (3) problems of oversimplification, and (4) potential policy impact. It is argued that choice of procedures should be determined by the specific purpose of a…

The author asserts that meta-analysis allows gifted educators and researchers to overcome obstacles of imprecise measurement and small samples. He reviews the technique, responds to critiques of the approach, and presents current research using meta-analysis. (CL)

Ruth Wade replies to an article written by Georgea Sparks in the same issue of "Educational Leadership" (EA 518 309) as a response to Wade's meta-analysis of inservice teacher education also appearing in this issue (EA 518 308). A closer look at the major findings is needed. (DCS)

Discussion of the need for systematic methods for summarizing single-participant research describes various approaches for quantitative synthesis and reviews conclusions of completed synthesis efforts. The issue of whether outcomes of single-participant research can be represented by a single common metric is addressed with the recommendation that…

The original authors respond to a critique of their meta-analysis of 94 studies which had failed to support the presence of distinctive Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children profiles for learning disabled children. The critique contended such a pattern does exist. (Author/DB)

As part of a continuing dialog concerning the validity of a meta-analysis of 94 studies suggesting that there is a lack of any distinctive pattern in the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Revised) profiles for learning disabled children, this article maintains the view that such differences do exist. (DB)

The paper discusses problems resulting from the substitution of meta-analysis for qualitative reviewing of special education research, employing H. Cooper's framework for assessing integrative research review and using illustrations from research on class placement and mainstreaming. (Author/CL)

The authors cite problems but regard meta-analysis as an improvement over traditional methods of research integration. Advantages are increased objectivity, freedom from arbitrary levels of statistical significance, and potential to relate an array of independent variables to effect size. Disadvantages include questionable reliability of ratings…

The article critiques a 1987 (Kavale and Forness) meta-analysis which concluded that research does not support modality-based instruction. The study is faulted for its selection criteria as well as its failure to consider demographic differences, achievement level differences, multiplicity of preferences, definitions of terms, effect-size…

This response to Dunn (EC 221 793) reaffirms the conclusions of a meta analysis on modality-based instruction, through elaboration of the study's selection criteria and methodological factors. Although modality-based instruction is seen to be intuitively appealing, educators are encouraged, instead, to apply instructional methods of proven…

The purpose of this paper is to review some of the methods used for the impact evaluation of Demonstrator-Developer projects and to promote the meta-analysis approach. Four examples of attempts to collect and analyze impact data from adopters are presented, one of which used the meta-analysis approach. In this example, each adopter collected pre…

lig appears to provide more useful information and use a more relevant body of literature, representing an advance over earlier studies. (SLD)

The paper examines competing models for the thinking processes of gifted students, including the Piagetian model, the Triarchic theory of R. Sternberg, and the varieties of intelligence proposed by H. Gardner. The paper offers a meta-analysis and a six realm domain for the understanding of cognitive processing propensities in gifted students. (DB)

This policy brief reviews research on the effectiveness of summer-school programs. It begins with a short history of the current school calendar, including how 19th century agrarian life required children to stay home during the summer to attend to crops or livestock. Next, a meta-analysis of 13 studies brings to light the effects long summer…

nter arguments are presented to defend the author's data selection practices and to point out pitfalls in Baker's critique. (SLD)