Simonson, Schlosser and Hanson (1999) argue that a new theory called "equivalency theory" is needed to account for the unique features of the "teleconferencing" (synchronous) model of DE that is prevalent in many North American universities. Based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of the comparative literature of DE (Bernard,…

This review used meta-analytic techniques to integrate findings from 30 independent studies that compared programmed instruction to conventional methods of instruction at the secondary level. The meta-analysis demonstrated that programmed instruction resulted in higher achievement when compared to conventional methods of instruction (average…

This meta analysis summarizes the available data concerning the impact that the 1991 announcement of Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a National Basketball Association all-star, had on the issues concerning HIV infection and testing. The analysis notes that the effect of Johnson's disclosure may not be uniform for all possible outcomes. Some…

A meta-analysis including nine samples of mothers in home visiting programs (N=1,600) examined differences in the effects of home visitor programs on maternal behavior. Although effect sizes varied, programs with more frequent visitation had higher success rates. This dosage effect explained all of the variance in effect sizes. Other significant…

This study explored the potential of meta-analysis for assessing the efficacy of interventions designed for parents of young, environmentally at-risk children. Included in the sample were 232 evaluations of 282 parent-focused interventions implemented between 1965 and 1999; evaluations met 10 criteria, including the inclusion of a treatment and…

Conducted meta-analysis of 66 studies on parental antecedents of attachment security. Found that maternal sensitivity was an important but not exclusive condition of attachment security in normal settings. Mutuality, Synchrony, Stimulation, Positive Attitude, and Emotional Support were associated with security. Advocated a contextual level to…

This meta-analysis examined 152 studies on social skill deficits among students with learning disabilities (LD). Quantitative synthesis showed that about 75% of students with LD manifest social skill deficits that distinguish them from comparison samples. Approximately the same level of group differentiation was found across different raters…

Meta-analysis of 482 empirical studies on treatment of problem behaviors of individuals with mental retardation found that externally destructive behaviors are less successfully treated than socially disruptive and internally maladaptive behaviors. Also, response contingent procedures were significantly more effective than other procedures.…

The integration of assessment, learning, and instruction are discussed, focusing on the importance of students' prior knowledge. A literature review and analysis of 128 studies provide support for the assertion that assessment has an important impact on instruction and learning. Positive effects were found for progress assessment. (SLD)

Meta analysis of 21 studies investigated type of person-environment fit measure, method of calculating fit, fit dimensions, and use of established measures. Subjective fit measures, use of correlations to calculate fit, value congruence as the fit dimensions, and use of an established measure increased effect sizes. (Contains 64 references.) (SK)

A meta-analytic review of group comparison design studies evaluating peer-assisted learning (PAL) interventions with elementary school students produced positive effect sizes (ESs) indicating increases in achievement. PAL interventions were most effective with younger, urban, low-income, and minority students. Interventions that used…

Uses thematic meta-analysis to examine study method, medium and area of focus, theoretical approach, funding source, and time period covered in research articles published in 10 major mass communications journals during the 1980 to 1999 period. Finds that qualitative research methods continued to be much less common than quantitative methods…

Two studies examined age-related change in proactive interference from previously learned material. The meta-analysis of 26 studies indicated that proactive interference decreased with age. The cross-sectional study found that third through sixth graders' and college students' recall was accurate on Trial 1, but became less so over Trials 2…

Findings from meta-analyses of outdoor education, psychotherapy, and educational innovations are presented to help determine the relative efficacy of adventure therapy programs. While adventure therapy effects are stronger than those of outdoor education, they are not nearly as strong as those of individual psychotherapy. Benchmarks are derived…

Reports a meta-analysis of published cross-cultural self-construal research. Notes that the results across studies suggests that the evidence for the predicted cultural differences is weak, inconsistent, or nonexistent. Concludes that catastrophic validity problems exist in research involving the use of self-construal scales in cross-cultural…