Although the first research on race and socioeconomic differences in nonverbal behavior was conducted in the 1930's, interest in these issues was not sustained. In order to further understanding of these previous studies, all the nonverbal categories that included more than three studies investigating race and class differences were examined. The…

Parametric measures to estimate J. Cohen's effect size (1966) from a single experiment or for a single study in meta-analysis are investigated. The main objective was to examine the principal statistical properties of this effect size--delta--under variance homogeneity, variance heterogeneity with known variance ratios, and for the Behrens-Fisher…

The effects of monetary gratuities on response rates to mail surveys have been considered in a number of studies. This meta-analysis examined: (1) the nature of the population surveyed; (2) the effects of gratuities in relation to the number of follow-ups; (3) whether the gratuity was equally effective across different populations; (4) whether the…

This paper reports research in progress. The purpose of this study was to examine the growing variety of research emerging in distance education and to suggest a method for synthesizing the results. Over 60 articles, representing both quantitative and qualitative studies published in major journals during the past two years, have been abstracted…

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate processes involved in the sibling relationship in terms of four dimensions that are focal in the literature: imitation, dominance, agonism (negative behavior directed towards a sibling), and prosocial behavior. A number of findings on these dimensions were culled from 24 studies, 18 of which were done…

Monte Carlo studies explored the sampling characteristics of Cohen's d and three approximations to Cohen's d when used as average effect size measures in meta-analysis. Reviews of 10, 100, and 500 studies (M) were simulated, with degrees of freedom (df) varied in seven steps from 8 to 58. In a two independent groups design, samples were obtained…

The purpose of this review of selected literature is to further extend knowledge about the effects of Head Start on cognitive development. From a comprehensive collection of over 1,400 documents concerning Head Start, 71 studies were selected for review and coded to permit a meta-analytic, quantitative analysis of findings. The coding system…

The meta analysis examined the ecological validity of 241 research studies concerned with changes in targeted behaviors in the moderately or profoundly retarded or autistic. Analysis of setting (least restrictive or not), maintenance, generalization, and social validity of procedures and outcomes indicated only a slight trend toward increased…

Used meta-analysis to study the clinical significance of psychotherapy for symptoms of unipolar depression, using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results indicated that psychotherapy produces outcomes of moderate clinical significance which are well-maintained at follow-up, that individual therapy is associated with greater clinical significance…

Twenty-four empirical investigations of tutoring interventions with learning disabled students were evaluated. Although all authors favored tutoring, equivocal results were reported with few substantiated reports of social benefits to tutors or tutees. Methodological problems associated with such research in field settings are identified. A chart…

Differences between father-absent and father-present samples were not large. Although study quality was not the best predictor of outcome, the best-quality studies produced nonsignificant estimates of effect size. Most effect-size estimates were less than .5; many were much smaller. (RH)

Meta analyses were conducted of computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, and computer enriched instruction. Positive effects were usually reported, with variations according to instructional type and age level. Results also indicated that effects varied according to the evaluation design and the type of publication in which the…

Discusses the Matheny et al stress-coping model and analysis of treatment effectiveness, noting the lack of clarity as to the method used by the authors to develop the categories. Concludes by underscoring certain issues, raising several questions, and making a few suggestions in regard to research and treatment issues. (KS)

The use of measures of magnitude of effect has been advocated as a way to go beyond statistical tests of significance and to identify effects of a practical size. They have been used in meta-analysis to combine results of different studies. Describes problems associated with measures of magnitude of effect (particularly study size) and…

The first of 10 papers providing a state of the art of research synthesis in special education, the introduction/overview stresses the importance of applying scientific techniques and standards to the evaluation and summarization of substantive research findings. (DB)