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…

This article synthesizes some of the published literature comparing the cognitive functioning of children with reading disabilities (RD) and children with low reading and low intelligence (low achievers). Research indicates that children with reading disabilities outperformed low achievers on measures of lexical knowledge, syntactical knowledge,…

A study examined 50 Pennsylvania cases reviewing the involuntary commitment of persons with mental retardation. Factors evaluated included characteristics of the individual, the presiding court, the impact of a court-appointed Child Advocate or Public Defender, availability of residential alternatives, and prior placement. (Author/DB)

Examines the experiences and socialization process of beginning teachers. Finds that entry experiences often include unmet expectations that cause stress, frustration, and ultimately lead to exit from the profession. When attributing meaning to surprising events, beginning teachers rely on organizational and individual inputs. (DHP)

Used meta-analysis to integrate and summarize the empirical research from 1966 through 1987 regarding the influence of college residence halls on the academic performance of undergraduate students in the United States. Found research did not show living in a conventional residence hall significantly influenced academic performance over living at…

Conducted meta-analytic review of findings from 34 past studies examining marital satisfaction and analyzed moderating effect of certain study characteristics. Found statistically significant differences for three of five comparisons made but concluded that differences had little practical meaning. Included critique of marital satisfaction…

Responds to Donald Dean Morley's reply (same issue). Discusses his claims about the use of multiple-message designs, the analysis of multiple-message designs, and generalization on logical grounds. (MS)