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)

The paper proposes a statistical methodology for synthesizing single-subject research in special education. A regression model that can be used to generate effect sizes for both changes in slope and changes in level occuring as a result of the treatment intervention is outlined. (Author/DB)

The synthesis of 18 single subject research studies on early intervention for socially withdrawn children indicated that reinforcement and measurement of targeted socially interactive behaviors showed the largest effects, with some treatment (such as unreinforced modeling of behavior) showing little effect. There was little evidence for skill…

A meta-analysis was performed on 11 empirical studies of the effects of mainstreaming. Results indicated that mainstreamed disabled students consistently outperformed nonmainstreamed students with comparable special education classifications. The most success was found in programs with design features (such as continuous assessment) suggested by…

Integrated quantitatively the collective research dealing with the effects of the Intermediate Science Curriculum Study (ISCS) on student performance and attitude. The weighted mean effect size was 0.09, indicating that the performance of ISCS students was 0.09 standard deviations about the performance of students in traditional science courses.…

This study is a synthesis of practice and research related to use of behavior analysis to train teachers. An idealized model for training science teachers is presented with research related to the model categories reviewed and analyzed. Results (based on meta-analysis) which support the idealized model are presented and discussed. (Author/JN)

Meta-analysis of the effects of 11 types of psychologically based organizational interventions showed that such programs raise worker productivity. The strength of effects vary by type of intervention, criterion of productivity, contextual factors in organizations, and features of research design. Also discussed are comparisons of conclusions…

A meta-analysis of 26 studies shows that accelerated gifted students outperform students of the same age and ability who are not accelerated and achieve as well as equally gifted older students in the higher grades. Correlational studies suggest that accelerates are equally successful later in life. (MLF)

A quantitative synthesis of the results from 66 studies indicated that boys' and girls' science achievement is positively related to affect, but the relationship is weaker than expected. Science achievement correlates more strongly with cognitive abilities than with affect. (Author/BW)

Simonson, Schlosser and Hanson (1999) argue that a new theory called "equivalency theory" is needed to account for the unique features of the "teleconferencing" (synchronous) model of DE that is prevalent in many North American universities. Based on a comprehensive meta-analysis of the comparative literature of DE (Bernard,…

This review used meta-analytic techniques to integrate findings from 30 independent studies that compared programmed instruction to conventional methods of instruction at the secondary level. The meta-analysis demonstrated that programmed instruction resulted in higher achievement when compared to conventional methods of instruction (average…

This article reviews research on the Minimalist instructional design model, a learner-centred approach to the design of instructional materials such as computer program manuals or on-line help. Studies in this paradigm have typically compared minimalist materials against traditional "system-centred" materials. Additionally, some studies have…

This meta analysis summarizes the available data concerning the impact that the 1991 announcement of Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a National Basketball Association all-star, had on the issues concerning HIV infection and testing. The analysis notes that the effect of Johnson's disclosure may not be uniform for all possible outcomes. Some…

A meta-analysis including nine samples of mothers in home visiting programs (N=1,600) examined differences in the effects of home visitor programs on maternal behavior. Although effect sizes varied, programs with more frequent visitation had higher success rates. This dosage effect explained all of the variance in effect sizes. Other significant…