Describes results of meta-analysis of 63 group sensitivity training studies, which revealed a moderate size, heterogeneous effect on all outcome measures, including a significantly larger effect on behavioral measures than on self-report measures. Interventions involving larger groups and number of sessions had larger effect sizes, as did studies…

Summarized the results of 15 experimental studies of 10 small-group skills training interventions developed for use with vocational rehabilitation clients. Concluded that the typical participant in skills training interventions received substantial benefit from the activity. Skills training programs should be implemented more widely with clients…

The six articles of this issue discuss the place of meta-analysis in the health professions and present two state-of-the-art meta-analyses using a variety of innovative methodologies, statistics, and secondary analytic procedures. A survey conducted for this issue and its sequel explores interventions to facilitate meta-analysis. (SLD)

This meta-analysis of the developmental disabilities literature on remediation of problem behaviors evaluated relations between standards of practice, intervention and participant characteristics, and treatment validity. Results largely failed to support widespread assumptions of clinical practice such as the superiority of more intrusive…

A meta-analysis including 96 experimental studies considers the effects of reinforcement/reward on intrinsic motivation. Results indicate that reward does not decrease intrinsic motivation, although interaction effects must be examined. An analysis with five studies also indicates that reinforcement does not harm intrinsic motivation. (SLD)

Evaluates the hypothesis that dyslexic children have a specific deficit in phonological reading processes. Describes a quantitative meta-analysis with the same hypothesis that provides evidence for differences between dyslexics and normal readers on nonword reading tasks. Considers the weaknesses of studies finding no deficits. (HB)

The article reviews three studies (EC 600 064-066) evaluating the effectiveness of using Irlen tinted lenses or overlays with reading-disabled persons. It is concluded that carefully designed and controlled studies do not currently lend support to the Irlen hypothesis. (DB)

Evaluates the hypothesis that dyslexic children have a specific deficit in phonological reading processes to elucidate the characteristics of developmental dyslexics' reading skills. Finds no evidence for distinct subtypes of dyslexia, although recent conceptualizations of reading development provide a better framework in which to investigate…

A framework and concepts for developing inclusion criteria for meta-analysis are presented and illustrated in a meta-analysis of primary studies in patient education for preventive health services. Of 5,451 citations located and abstracts screened, 64 studies eventually met acceptability criteria. (SLD)

Discusses features of interpersonal conflict, defined in terms of oppositional behavior. A meta-analysis of research on conflict management indicated that adolescents' disagreements with close peers, in contrast to disagreements with parents or others, were managed in a manner that avoided disruption of the relationships. Characteristics of…

This paper reviews 27 studies of parental attitudes on the deinstitutionalization of a family member with disabilities. Studies of existing institutional placements found high levels of satisfaction and opposition to deinstitutionalization, whereas studies of community placements found high levels of satisfaction with community placements and…

This study used meta-analyses to evaluate the relative effectiveness of a variety of educational interventions with students who have disabilities. A graph of average effect sizes for 18 interventions shows the demonstrated effectiveness of mnemonic training, reading comprehension instruction, behavior modification, direct instruction,…

Finds that communication-skills instruction generates (using the Binomial Effect Size Display) a 44% increase in critical-thinking ability. Finds that forensic participation demonstrated the largest positive impact on critical-thinking improvement, but that all communication skills experiences demonstrated significant improvement. (SR)

Student ratings of instruction measure general instructional skill, give a composite of delivering instruction, facilitate interactions, and evaluate student learning. A meta-analysis of the multisection validity studies indicates student ratings are moderately valid, but affected by administrative, instructor, and course characteristics. (MMU)

Focuses on the evaluative use of teaching portfolios for personnel decisions in higher education and compares claims for their merits against fundamental research on evaluating faculty teaching. Draws on the literature on teaching portfolio development and suggests meta-analysis to examine the impact of using portfolios for personnel decisions.…