Meta-Analysis: Quantitative Methods for Research Synthesis

by Fredric (Fred) M. Wolf

Overview

Meta-Analysis shows concisely, yet comprehensively, how to apply statistical methods to achieve a literature review of a common research domain. It demonstrates the use of combined tests and measures of effect size to synthesize quantitatively the results of independent studies for both group differences and correlations. Strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches, as well as of meta-analysis in general, are presented.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780803927568
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	04/01/1986
Series:	Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences , #59
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	72
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Wolf has over 20 years educational psychology/evaluation and measurement, medical education, and health services research. He is the Chair of the Department of Medical Education and Biomedical and Health Informatics, member NIH study sections, member international Cochrane Collaboration, former Visiting Scholar at UK Cochrane Centre and Green College, University of Oxford.

Table of Contents

	Series Editor's Introduction	5
	Acknowledgments	7
1.	Meta-Analysis and Synthesizing Research	9
	Advantages of Meta-Analytic Literature Reviews	10
	Illustrative Examples of Meta-Analysis	11
	Criticisms of Meta-Analysis	14
	Nonreview Applications of Procedures Used in Meta-Analysis	17
2.	Combined Tests	18
	Fisher Combined Test	18
	Winer Combined Test	19
	Stouffer Combined Test	20
	Illustrative Numerical Examples	21
	Selecting a Combined Test	23
3.	Measures of Effect Size	23
	Group Differences	24
	Illustrative Numerical Example	25
	Interpreting Effect Sizes for Studies of Group Differences	27
	Correlational Relationships	28
	Illustrative Numerical Example	30
	Interpreting Effect Sizes for Correlational Studies	31
	Selecting a Common Metric	33
	Mediating Effects	34
4.	Examining and Reducing Bias	37
	Fail-Safe N and File Drawer Problem	37
	Weighting Studies by Sample Size	39
	Unbiased Estimate of Effect Size	40
	Tests of Homogeneity	42
	Homogeneity of Statistical Tests	43
	Homogeneity of Effect Size	45
	Studies with More Than One Statistic	46
	Validity and Reliability Issues	48
5.	Nonparametric Methods	50
	Nonparametric Effect Size	50
	Illustrative Numerical Example	51
6.	Summary and Conclusions	53
	Limitations of Meta-Analysis	53
	Strengths of Meta-Analysis	54
	Guidelines for Practice	55
	References	57
	About the Author	65