This paper reports on the development and piloting of a systematic review and meta analysis of research on the effectiveness of problem based learning (PBL). The systematic review protocol was pilot tested with a sample of studies cited as providing "evidence" about the effectiveness of PBL. From the 5 studies mentioned in the sample of reviews,…

Interest in class size is widespread today. Debates often take place about "ideal" class size. Controversial efforts to reduce class size have appeared at both the federal level and in various states around the nation. This paper reviews research on class size and discusses findings, how these findings can be explained, and policy implications.…

This study was conducted to investigate the equivalence of scores from paper-and-pencil (P&P) tests and computerized tests (CTs) through meta-analysis of primary studies using both kinds of tests. For this synthesis, 51 primary studies were selected, resulting in 226 effect sizes. The first synthesis was a typical meta-analysis that treated…

This study describes the use of meta-synthesis to review a large body of research literature and systematically synthesize the findings in an effort to develop a more informed understanding of a particular area of interest. Sections of the paper review similarities and differences among meta-analysis, meta-ethnography, and meta-synthesis; review a…

This meta analysis examined the results of 24 studies in which traditionally certified teachers were compared with teachers with a variety of other kinds of certificates. The 24 studies allowed for the computation of 192 effect sizes, and 7 kinds of comparison were performed. Findings suggest that traditional teacher training is at least as…

This paper discusses the impact of sampling error on the construction of confidence intervals around effect sizes. Sampling error affects the location and precision of confidence intervals. Meta-analytic resampling demonstrates that confidence intervals can haphazardly bounce around the true population parameter. Special software with graphical…

This paper presents a meta-analysis study that addresses gender differences in student attitudes toward mathematics for the years 1970 to 1995. A body of 96 primary studies were used including 30,490 students (15,877 female and 14,613 males), 69 journal articles, and 27 ERIC documents in the analysis. The major conclusion of this study is that…

Some of the advantages of meta-analysis as a useful approach to synthesizing research studies are described, along with caveats that a careful analyst should consider when applying this approach to research data. (LC)

ApoE gene polymorphism was examined in 100 adults with Down syndrome with and without dementia (Alzheimer's disease) and 346 control subjects. Additionally, a meta analysis of studies (total N=480 subjects) was performed. Results indicated a similar incidence of the gene across groups but subjects with the allele tended to an earlier onset of…

Meta-analysis was conducted on 31 evaluations of 15 government-sponsored training programs for disadvantaged groups, 1964-1998. Earnings effects were largest for women, modest for men, and negligible for youth. Skills training increased earnings; basic education was not effective. No evidence was found that more expensive programs performed…

This meta-analysis finds that parents report lower marital satisfaction compared with nonparents. There is also a significant negative correlation between marital satisfaction and number of children. The data suggest that marital satisfaction decreases after the birth of a child due to role conflicts and restriction of freedom. (Contains 30…

This meta-analysis of research on reference service evaluation discusses how often the same variables are examined, to what extent the observed correlations agreed or differed, and whether the results of multiple studies (59 studies listed) can be combined to obtain a more accurate estimate of the strength of association for a variable with…

This study reviews 26 meta-analyses in mental retardation in terms of selected hypotheses, sampling information, representative characteristics of the review, analysis of primary studies, interpretation of results, and reporting of the integrative view. Results indicate a wide variation in the amount of reported data similar to other analyses of…

Provides a comprehensive review of the research examining the academic and socioemotional outcomes associated with grade retention. Discussion addresses the disparity between educational practice and converging research regarding grade retention and suggests directions for practice. Encourages researchers, educational professionals, and…

The present study, a meta-analysis of 61 studies of self-concept, shows that children with learning disabilities (LD) perceive their academic ability less favorably than their non-LD peers. In contrast to previous research, this study indicated no differences in self-concept as a function of special education setting. Implications for research and…