Conducted a meta-analysis of methodologies used to evaluate after school programs and attempted a synthesis of evaluation findings. Results show that evaluation reports demonstrate moderate compliance with the Program Evaluation Standards of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation but evidence did not allow for meta-analysis of…

Shows how to test the hypothesis that a nonnested model fits a set of predictors when modeling multiple effect sizes in meta-analysis. Illustrates the procedure using data from previous studies of the effectiveness of coaching on performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. (SLD)

Pressures for evidence in social science and educational research suggest a need for systematic research review and synthesis. Four challenges this poses for the social sciences are (1) critical consideration of how the social sciences differ from medicine; (2) reduction of bias in evaluation; (3) better methods for assessing different research…

Advocates the traditional controlled message, crossed design for the study of language variables in communication research. Analyzes and rejects arguments (presented in the article, "Messages as Replications: Toward a Message-Centered Design Strategy," in the same issue) in support of the multiple-message design. (SR)

Advocates the multiple-message design (message replication within experiments) for message research in communication. Analyzes and rejects arguments (presented in the article, "The Design and Analysis of Language Experiments in Communication," in the same issue) in support of the single-message design. (SR)

Tells how to conduct a meta-analysis study, and refers readers to information about refinements of the techniques. A simple meta-analysis is presented. Describes three fundamental stages to conducting a meta-analysis: (1) literature review; (2) calculation of effect sizes; and (3) analysis of data. (Author/NB)

Use of meta-analysis to determine the important manipulable influences on school learning is illustrated. The methodology of meta-analysis discussed in relation to primary research methods include: (1) problem formulation; (2) sample selection; (3) data analysis; (4) data interpretation; and (5) data reporting. (SLD)

Conducted meta-analyses of validity coefficients from tests of clerical abilities for five criteria (supervisor ratings, supervisor rankings, work samples, production quantity, production quality). Found ratings, rankings, work samples, and production quantity to all result in high test validities. Fifth criterion, production quality, had low…

Meta-analysis synthesizes related research by considering three major factors: sample size, magnitude of significance, and statistical test used. These factors produce an effect size, expressed as a correlation or as a difference between means, divided by the standard deviation. Discusses ways to use effect size when results are not consistent and…

Responds to an article in the same issue of the journal presenting a meta-analysis of reading research. Suggests that the metastudy is well conceived, yet its disembodied perspective, devoid of any mention of an actual teacher, student, or school, is emblematic of how far the frames, questions, and methods deemed important have taken reading…

Responds to an article in the same issue of the journal presenting a meta-analysis of reading research. Expresses concern that the authors' conclusions will promote a slavish adherence to a methodology and a rigidity of thought that reading researchers can ill afford. (RS)

Responds to an article in the same issue of the journal presenting a meta-analysis of reading research. Discusses limitations of meta-analysis; changing views of research; influential instructional research; and changing standards, changing possibilities. (RS)

Reports on a meta-analysis of 34 news diffusion studies to show that the general importance of a story is positively associated with the level of diffusion and likelihood of hearing the news interpersonally but not the rate of telling others. Indicates that news that is personally relevant to an individual is more likely to be discussed with…

Conducted meta-analytic review of 27 studies on social skills training with schizophrenics, addressing magnitude of treatment effects relative to outcome measures, extent of generalization and maintenance of treatment effects, and impact of diagnostic clarity and training variations. Found that social skills training had strong, positive impact on…

Conducts a meta-analysis of 23 manuscripts containing information on 30 experiments that examined communication apprehension and cognitive performance. Finds a statistically significant negative correlation between communication apprehension and cognitive performance. (MG)