It is easy to observe that meta-analysis is quickly establishing itself as useful tool of the social sciences. Perusal of representative journals confirms that meta-analysis has been applied in various ways to diverse literatures. It is imperative, therefore, that reviewers, publishers, consumers, and critics of these reviews be best informed…

This paper describes how work by the United States Office of Personnel Management on the generalizability of employment test validities led to the development of a widely applicable meta-analysis method. The method focuses strongly on estimating the true variance of study correlations and effect size. This validity generalization procedure has…

Research on the emergence of sex differences in spatial ability during early adolescence prompted a meta-analysis of 172 spatial ability studies conducted since 1974. The meta-analysis confirmed that there are actually several spatial abilities, that some types of spatial ability show marked sex differences while others show none, and that spatial…

The paper reviews 26 studies using the delayed prompt procedure in applied and laboratory settings with developmentally disabled children and adults and others. Results suggest that the delayed prompt procedure is an efficient teaching strategy, with subjects typically acquiring discriminations within a few training sessions or limited number of…

Results of 120 studies were combined by meta-analysis to determine effects on mathematics test performance of factors other than knowledge of content. Conditions that enhanced performance included testwiseness training, praise, word problem pictures, and frequent testing. Conditions depressing or not affecting performance were also noted. (MNS)

A meta-analysis of the results of 562 studies illustrates the nature, effect, and treatment of academic test anxiety (TA). TA correlated inversely to students' self-esteem and directly to their fears of negative evaluation, defensiveness, and other forms of anxiety. Ability, gender, and school grade level also affect TA. (TJH)

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

Summary findings from a meta-analysis of 133 research studies of adults comparing the relative effectiveness of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic efforts show that cooperation among adults promotes achievement, positive interpersonal relationships, social support, and self-esteem. (MLF)

Discusses R. Slavin's best-evidence synthesis method as an alternative to traditional meta-analysis and review techniques. Explains the inherent weaknesses of the technique Slavin uses and how the techniques can be misused. (RB)

The synthesis of 35 single-subject nonaversive treatments of classroom behavior problems indicated that reinforcement and feedback are highly effective as a remedy across a variety of behaviors, settings, and administrative arrangements. (Author/DB)

A meta-analysis of 19 studies using handicapped students as tutors of other students indicated that: (1) tutoring programs were generally effective; (2) tutees generally gained more than tutors; and (3) tutor and tutee gains on self-concept and sociometric ratings were small, while gains on attitude measures were larger. (Author/DB)

The adequacy of traditional effect size measures for research synthesis is challenged. Analogues to analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis for effect sizes are presented. The importance of tests for the consistency of effect sizes in interpreting results, and problems in obtaining well-specified models for meta-analysis are…

Using examples from government program evaluation studies, six areas where research synthesis is more effective than individual studies are presented. Research synthesis can: (1) help match treatment type with recipient type; (2) explain which treatment features matter; (3) explain conflicting results; (4) determine critical outcomes; (5) assess…

Meta-analysis techniques were used to synthesize research on the effectiveness of three major activity-based elementary science programs: (1) the Elementary Science Study, (2) Science--A Process Approach, and (3) the Science Curriculum Improvement Study. Implications for both widespread adoption and curricular decisions, as well as long term…

Reports a study using meta-analytical procedures to compare WISC-R subtest performance patterns of 29 samples of retarded, average, and above average intelligence children. Shows how the study results in distinct WISC-R profiles for each group and demonstrates how the subtest performance patterns are strongly related to overall intellectual level.…