Conducted meta-analysis of 163 randomized trials to examine differences in outcome associated with different theoretical orientations, differences between marital and family therapies versus individual therapies, clinical significance of therapy outcome, differences between marital versus family therapies in both outcomes and problems treated, and…

An analysis of 50 years of research reveals that direct influences such as classroom management affect student learning more than indirect influences such as policies. Findings based on standardized tests and essay examinations showed student aptitude as the most influential variable, followed by classroom instruction and climate, context, program…

Analysis of 20 research studies of critical thinking in nursing, 1977-1995, found that the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal was used in 18. There was no consistent evidence that nursing education increases critical thinking. Research design flaws, inconsistent definition of critical thinking, and lack of an appropriate measurement tool…

Investigates two aspects of research analyses in quantitative research studies reported in the 1996 issues of "Journal of Counseling & Development" (JCD). Acceptable methodological practice regarding significance testing and evaluation of score reliability has evolved considerably. Contemporary thinking on these issues is described; practice as…

Examined whether individuals could fake their responses to a personality inventory if instructed to do so. Across 51 studies, fakeability did not vary by personality dimension. All the "Big Five" factors were equally fakeable, but faking produced the largest distortions in social desirability scales. Contains 75 references. (SLD)

Applies meta-analysis to school-based outcome studies of counseling and psychotherapy within a 10-year period. Results support the effectiveness of school-based therapeutic interventions, although this conclusion is offered with some caution. Findings apply almost exclusively to group interventions. Discusses implication for practice and…

Identifies strengths and weaknesses of the study of the Comprehensive Child Development Program and draws evaluative conclusions based on the analysis. Cites lack of stakeholder involvement and pilot studies as a weaknesses of the evaluation but notes the general quality of the effort. (SLD)

Performed a meta-analysis of reliability estimates for Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (A. Beck and others, 1961) scores across studies. Only 7.5% of studies reviewed (n=1,200) reported meaningful reliability estimates. Analysis results suggest that standard errors of measurement should be considered in addition to reliability estimates when…

Synthesis of 14 qualitative studies on caring among nursing faculty and students yielded 5 metaphors for reciprocal connecting that reflected "presencing" (i.e., empathy), sharing, support, competence, and uplifting aspects of caring. Ways to create a caring learning environment and teach students to care identified. (Contains 27…

Discusses issues inherent in the four meta-analyses of instructional interventions for students with learning disabilities conducted by Gersten and Baker, MacArthur et al; Elbaum and Vaughn, and Swanson. Considers the effects of meta-analyses in general on practice, the effect of including studies that do not meet methodological criteria, and…

Suggest that the call for more pointed graduate education and more affirmative journal policies on replication-extension made by R. Hubbard and P. Ryan is useful, although inadequate and probably pointless. Statistical significance testing appears to be here to stay despite the charge that it is of "marginal scientific value." (SLD)

Reviews the results of a meta analysis (E. Deci, R. Koestner, and R. Ryan, 1999) that shows that tangible extrinsic rewards do have a substantial undermining effect on intrinsic motivation. Discusses results, which support cognitive evaluation theory, in terms of their relevance for educational practice. (SLD)

Prior meta analyses by J. Cameron and other researchers suggested that the negative effects of extrinsic reward on intrinsic motivation were limited and avoidable. E. Deci and others (2001) suggested that the analyses were flawed. This commentary makes the case that there is no inherent negative property of reward. (SLD)

Used meta-analysis of 60 studies to investigate the direction and magnitude of the relationships between a variety of school inputs and student achievement. Analysis finds a broad range of resources to be positively related to academic achievement and further suggests that moderate increases in spending may be associated with significant increases…

Discussion of the methods of meta-analysis first identifies problems associated with research integration, the limitations of traditional review techniques, and the advantages of quantitative methods. Meta-analytic procedures are described with respect to how they parallel classical scientific method, including problem formulation, sampling,…