ERIC Number: EJ1395514
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jun
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
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EISSN: EISSN-2618-6209
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Challenges and Opportunities of Meta-Analysis in Education Research
International Journal of Modern Education Studies, v7 n1 p218-231 Jun 2023
Meta-analyses are systematic summaries of research that use quantitative methods to find the mean effect size (standardized mean difference) for interventions. Critics of meta-analysis point out that such analyses can conflate the results of low- and high-quality studies, make improper comparisons and result in statistical noise. All these criticisms are valid for low-quality meta-analyses. However, high-quality meta-analyses correct all these problems. Critics of meta-analysis often suggest that selecting high-quality RCTs is a more valid methodology. However, education RCTs do not show consistent findings, even when all factors are controlled. Education is a social science, and variability is inevitable. Scholars who try to select the best RCTs will likely select RCTs that confirm their bias. High-quality meta-analyses offer a more transparent and rigorous model for determining best practices in education. While meta-analyses are not without limitations, they are the best tool for evaluating educational pedagogies and programs.
Descriptors: Meta Analysis, Best Practices, Randomized Controlled Trials, Criticism, Social Science Research, Comparative Analysis, Educational Research, Teaching Methods, Program Evaluation
International Journal of Modern Education Studies. Available from: Mevlut Aydogmus. Necmettin Erbakan University Ahmet Kelesopglu Education Faculty A-319 Meram Konya, 42000, Turkey. e-mail: ijonmes@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijonmes.net/index.php/ijonmes
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
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Language: English
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