The article suggests supplementing the social problem study groups and data synthesis approaches to building knowledge with emphasis on synthesizing reviews. Such reviews would strengthen the evaluation profession and promote utilization of the knowledge base generated by evaluators. (DWH)

The article proposes the viability of meta-analysis as a useful technique for integrating cross-study findings in early childhood special education. Issues of efficacy research, research integration, and the mechanics of conducting a meta-analysis are discussed, and efficacy studies are presented. (Author/CL)

Considered the relative effectiveness of drug therapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of unipolar depression in adults in a meta-analysis of 56 outcome studies. Evidence suggested that psychotherapy was superior to drug therapy. (Author/LLL)

This paper decribes the case survey method as a technique to overcome data collection problems and lack of integration of case studies. It outlines the roots of the method, distinguishes it from meta-analysis, describes the process with illustrations from an enrollment decline study, and analyzes its strengths and limitations. (BW)

Over the years, methodologists have been recommending that researchers use magnitude of effect estimates in result interpretation to highlight the distinction between statistical and practical significance (cf. R. Kirk, 1996). A magnitude of effect statistic (i.e., effect size) tells to what degree the dependent variable can be controlled,…

The first part of this paper examines using meta-analysis as a basis for making probabilistic statements about client outcome by revisiting Smith and Glass's (1977) classic paper concerning meta-analysis of psychotherapy outcome studies. While it may be argued that making probabilistic statements was not the primary purpose of meta-analysis, Smith…

Examines, through meta-analytic review, the connection between communication apprehension and communication behavior. Indicates a consistent negative relationship between the level of communication apprehension and communication skills, using a total of 36 studies involving 3742 participants. Finds that as a person becomes more apprehensive both…

Conducted a meta-analysis of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) to ascertain the numbers of factors in the mental processing subtest of the K-ABC. Analyses yielded sequential and simultaneous processing factors, suggesting that the original K-ABC theory was not supported. (SLD)

Meta-analysis of 24 samples demonstrated overlap between Holland's vocational interest domains (measured by Self Directed Search, Strong Interest Inventory, and Vocational Preference Inventory) and Big Five personality factors (measured by Revised NEO Personalty Inventory). The link is stronger for five interest-personality pairs:…

Notes that because estimates of effect sizes are often either misreported or not reported at all, meta-analysts must use conversion formulas that allow estimates of effect sizes from information available. Focuses on formulas that convert "F" in ANOVA, a statistical test, to eta-squared, "d," or the correlation equivalent. Demonstrates that the…

Conducted a meta-analysis of methodologies used to evaluate after school programs and attempted a synthesis of evaluation findings. Results show that evaluation reports demonstrate moderate compliance with the Program Evaluation Standards of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation but evidence did not allow for meta-analysis of…

Shows how to test the hypothesis that a nonnested model fits a set of predictors when modeling multiple effect sizes in meta-analysis. Illustrates the procedure using data from previous studies of the effectiveness of coaching on performance on the Scholastic Aptitude Test. (SLD)

Pressures for evidence in social science and educational research suggest a need for systematic research review and synthesis. Four challenges this poses for the social sciences are (1) critical consideration of how the social sciences differ from medicine; (2) reduction of bias in evaluation; (3) better methods for assessing different research…

Advocates the traditional controlled message, crossed design for the study of language variables in communication research. Analyzes and rejects arguments (presented in the article, "Messages as Replications: Toward a Message-Centered Design Strategy," in the same issue) in support of the multiple-message design. (SR)

Advocates the multiple-message design (message replication within experiments) for message research in communication. Analyzes and rejects arguments (presented in the article, "The Design and Analysis of Language Experiments in Communication," in the same issue) in support of the single-message design. (SR)