A Practical Guide to Modern Methods of Meta-analysis

Methods for meta-analysis have evolved dramatically since Gene Glass first proposed the term in 1976. Since that time statistical and nonstatistical aspects of methodology for meta-analysis have been developing at a steady pace. This guide is an attempt to provide a practical introduction to rigorous procedures in the meta-analysis of social science research. It approaches the use of modern statistical methods in meta-analysis from the perspective of a potential user. The treatment is limited to meta-analysis of studies of between-group comparisons using the standardized mean difference as an index of effect magnitude. This guide is organized according to a variant of Cooper's stages of the research review process: (1) problem formulation; (2) data collection and data evaluation, data analysis and interpretation; and (3) presentation of results. Although each stage is discussed, the greatest emphasis is placed on the stage of data analysis and interpretation. Examples from a synthesis of research on the effects of science curricula are used throughout for illustration. Because this book is intended to be a practical guide, the references are provided primarily to exemplify issues or techniques rather than to provide theoretical discussions or derivations. (CW)