Examined attention given in 185 studies to individual differences and empirical patterns of variability reported in studies presenting measures of dispersion (43 percent of gerontological studies reviewed and 24 percent of developmental studies reviewed). Most gerontological studies presenting data reported increases in variability with increasing…

Effects of choice of data analysis program on outcomes of meta-analysis were studied by considering the extent to which four commonly used Schmidt and Hunter validity generalization-based meta-analytic software programs produce identical outcomes. Differences were minor and did not influence outcomes. (SLD)

Arguments supporting the use of the exploratory case method in evaluating reviews of multivocal literature are repeated, and points of general agreement with M. Q. Patton and R. F. Elmore are reviewed. Disagreement is expressed with R. K. Yin about the value of grounded theory in analyzing multivocal literature. (SLD)

Discusses issues attendant to meta-analytic reviews of the research literature concerning factors influencing persuasive effectiveness. Discusses issues connected with (1) the literature search (such as identification of relevant studies); and (2) the analysis of the collected studies (including extraction of effect sizes from studies, analyses of…

Twenty-four studies on creativity and bilingualism are compared in a table and text. Twenty of the studies found bilinguals to be more creative than monolinguals. Four studies found an interaction between sex and bilingualism. (DB)

Because of the importance of single-subject studies in mental retardation research, a meta-analysis of the literature examining interrater agreement for visual analysis of single-subject data was conducted. Analysis revealed an overall itinerant agreement value of 0.58 for 14 studies representing 789 raters. Effects of data type, design type,…

Argues that there are two central reasons for concern about the adequacy of M. Allen's metanalysis of the research literature concerning the relative persuasive effectiveness of one-sided and two-sided messages: (1) the classification of the message types in a number of studies is questionable; and (2) the literature search underlying the review…

Responds to an analysis by D. O'Keefe (in the same issue of this journal) of a research study by the author. States that most of what O'Keefe suggests contains merit but that acceptance of the suggestions still generates a conclusion that two-sided refutational messages constitute the most persuasive form of message. (SR)

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)