Discusses meta-analysis results for gender differences in mathematics achievement. (MKR)

Meta-analysis, one strategy nurses can use to influence public policy in health care, can amplify effects too small to observe in single or small studies, bring cost data to the fore, and highlight ramifications of local interest to policy- makers. (SK)

Findings of a review of 64 meta-analytic articles show that experimental data and quasi-experimental or nonexperimental data are sometimes combined incorrectly. Discusses how guidance from proponents of meta-analysis fails to make clear the importance of not synthesizing different kinds of data. (SLD)

Conducted a reliability generalization study of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (D. Crowne and D. Marlowe, 1960). Analysis of 93 studies show that the predicted score reliability for male adolescents was 0.53, and reliability for men's responses was lower than for women's. Discusses the need for further analysis of the scale. (SLD)

Explored variability in reliability scores on a career scale, the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale (K. Taylor and N. Betz, 1983). Of the 49 studies examined, 41% reported score reliabilities. Of the five subscales, Problem Solving shows the lowest score reliability. Higher score reliability is associated with age, racial/ethnic…

Examined the score reliability of a measure of life satisfaction, the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI) using 34 research studies. Results reveal an average reliability of 0.79. Results provide evidence for adequate reliability of LSI scores across a variety of sample characteristics, but they must be interpreted with caution given the small sample…

Examined the quantitative dose-response relationship for strength development by calculating the magnitude of gains elicited by various levels of training intensity, frequency, and volume; thus clarifying the effort to benefit ratio. A meta-analysis of 140 studies with 1,433 effect sizes (ES) was conducted. ES demonstrated different responses…

Meta-analysis of six studies published 1976-1996 indicated that the factors having the highest predictive power for nursing faculty job satisfaction were intrinsic; organizational characteristics and climate had little power. Perceptions/expectations of deans'/chairs' role and faculty role conflict/ambiguity were also significant. (SK)

Meta-analysis of 155 research reports that used one of three commitment scales (affective, continuance, or normative) found strong correlations between the scales and correlates of jobs satisfaction, job involvement, and organizational commitment. All three were negatively related to withdrawal and turnover. Perceived organizational support had…

A meta-analysis was conducted of 60 empirical samples (n=39.154), 53 of which used parallel measures of self-efficacy and interests. Results demonstrated that self-efficacy and interests are independent and correlate moderately. Overlap varies considerably for Social, Enterprising, and Conventional interest domains depending on the measure used.…

Introduces statistical and procedural methods of meta-analysis, and explains how to interpret the findings of meta-analytic studies currently appearing throughout the social science literature. Includes overview of meta-analysis and discussion of seven steps used in conducting a meta-analysis. (Author/NB)

Reviewed validity evidence for systematic methods of evaluating training and experience (T&E) ratings in personnel selection. Meta-analytic summaries of data indicated that validity varied with type of T&E procedure used. Illinois job element and behavioral consistency methods demonstrated useful levels of validity with small corrected standard…

Used meta-analysis to examine duration of group experience and structure provided by leader in counseling groups from 26 studies. Group composition appeared to have greatest effect in unstructured group which was relatively long in duration. Leaders using short-term, structured groups may be less concerned with composition, as its potential effect…

Analyzes manuscripts that have studied the treatment of communication apprehension. Concludes that all forms of treatment (cognitive modification, systematic desensitization, and skills training) were effective in reducing public speaking anxiety and that the type of self-report scale did not affect the observed effect size. (MS)

META-RAND, a Statistical Analysis System macro that generates random values used for calculating correlations in a meta analysis, is described. Output consists of uncorrected and corrected mean and variances of "r" and several measures of the degree of homogeneity or heterogeneity in the data. (SLD)