The manner in which results and methods are reported influences the ability of the synthesis of prior studies for planning new evaluations. Confidence ratings, coding conventions, and supplemental evidence can partially overcome the difficulties. Planners must acknowledge the influence of their own judgement in using prior research. (Author)

Results of three forms of meta-analysis on 41 studies involving behavior disorders revealed powerful effects of treatment: both interventions targeting classroom behavior and those attributable to a behavioral orientation were somewhat more powerful and robust. Methodological flaws, however, are cited. Recommendations for solidifying the research…

Solutions to methodological problems in medical technologies research synthesis relating to temporal change, persons receiving treatment, research design, analytic procedures, and threats to validity are presented. These solutions should help with the planning and methodogy for research synthesis in other areas. (BS)

This paper reviews meta-analysis procedures and several meta-analysis findings related to science teachings. Several generalizations are offered, one which indicates that instructional techniques which help students focus on learning (preinstructional strategies, increased structure in verbal content of materials, use of concrete objects) are…

Meta-analysis of parent involvement in early intervention programs was conducted as part of a study on efficacy of early intervention with disadvantaged, at-risk, and disabled preschoolers. Evidence to date suggests little support for the position that involvement of parents leads to more effective intervention programs. (Author/CL)

If the quantitative result of a study is observed only when the mean difference is statistically significant, the observed mean difference, variance, and effect size are biased estimators of corresponding population parameters. The exact distribution of sample effect size and the maximum likelihood estimator of effect size are derived. (Author/BW)

Reviewed published validation studies for the years 1964-1982 of the Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology. Results indicated minimal differences across study designs in the average validity coefficient and found selection ratios, standard deviations, reliabilities, predictor and criterion intercorrelations to be rarely and…

Methods for estimating effect sizes when complete data are not reported are presented. When not precise, these methods provide a conservative estimate and, therefore, allow for the inclusion in a meta-analysis of relevant studies whose data might otherwise be discarded. (Author/PN)

Critiques K. Kavale's meta-analysis, which reported reliable significant correlations between auditory-perceptual skills and reading achievement. Concludes that Kavale fails to provide evidence that teaching auditory-perceptual skills is useful to learning disabled children unless skills are functional reading skills. (Author/CL)

The main findings of a meta-analysis of 23 research reports were the following: giving behavioral objectives, learning directions, or questions before an instructional text is read leads to some improvement in the learning of goal relevant material; however, these preinstructional acts impede the learning of goal irrelevant materials. (Author/BW)

Rosenthan's (1979) concept of fail-safe N has thus far been applied to probability levels exclusively. This note introduces a fail-safe N for effect size. (Author)

A meta-analysis of 34 primary studies yielding 438 independent findings shows that 20 specific parenting practices, in combination, can account for as much as one-quarter (23.1%) of the variance in student achievement outcomes. Seven parenting practices, when combined, account for approximately one-sixth (16.3%) of the variance in student…

Using 232 studies, this meta analysis reviewed the research on the achievement effects of the nationally disseminated and externally developed school improvement programs known as "whole-school" or "comprehensive" reforms. In addition to reviewing the overall achievement effects of comprehensive school reform (CSR), the meta…

Instruction for beginning readers is thought to be needed on several fronts, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. The National Reading Panel reviewed the findings of many experiments to determine whether there was sufficient scientific evidence to indicate the effectiveness of these forms of…

Shortly after a researcher arrived at a Traditional Mohawk (Iroquois) Indian community in New York State in May 1997, seven community members began using the Netscape 3.0 e-mail system with steadily increasing frequency. The researcher was interested in studying the relationship between new communication technology and identity maintenance. E-mail…