This book provides a clear and thorough introduction to meta-analysis, the process of synthesizing data from a series of separate studies. Meta-analysis has become a critically important tool in fields as diverse as medicine, pharmacology, epidemiology, education, psychology, business, and ecology. "Introduction to Meta-Analysis" Outlines the role of meta-analysis in the research processShows how to compute effects sizes and treatment effectsExplains the fixed-effect and random-effects models for synthesizing dataDemonstrates how to assess and interpret variation in effect size across studiesClarifies concepts using text and figures, followed by formulas and examplesExplains how to avoid common mistakes in meta-analysisDiscusses controversies in meta-analysisFeatures a web site with additional material and exercises

"A superb combination of lucid prose and informative graphics, written by four of the world's" "leading experts on all aspects of meta-analysis. Borenstein, Hedges, Higgins, and Rothstein" "provide a refreshing departure from cookbook approaches with their clear explanations of" "the what and why of meta-analysis. The book is ideal as a course textbook or for self-study." "My students, who used pre-publication versions of some of the chapters, raved about the" "clarity of the explanations and examples." David Rindskopf, Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology, City University of New York, Graduate School and University Center, & Editor of the Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics.""

"The approach taken by" Introduction to Meta-analysis "is intended to be primarily conceptual, " "and it is amazingly successful at achieving that goal. The reader can comfortably skip the" "formulas and still understand their application and underlying motivation. For the more" "statistically sophisticated reader, the relevant formulas and worked examples provide a superb" "practical guide to performing a meta-analysis. The book provides an eclectic mix of examples" "from education, social science, biomedical studies, and even ecology. For anyone considering" "leading a course in meta-analysis, or pursuing self-directed study, Introduction to" "Meta-analysis would be a clear first choice." Jesse A. Berlin, ScD

Introduction to Meta-Analysis "is an excellent resource for novices and experts alike. The book" "provides a clear and comprehensive presentation of all basic and most advanced approaches" "to meta-analysis. This book will be referenced for decades." Michael A. McDaniel, Professor of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior, Virginia Commonwealth University

When federal statistics showed test scores lower in charter than in regular schools, some charter school supporters insisted this must result from charter schools enrolling harder-to-teach minority students. Data show, however, that typical charter school students are not more disadvantaged, yet their average achievement is not higher. Even if some charter schools are superior, deregulation also permits charter schools that are inferior, with average performance no higher than in regular public schools. Debates spurred by federal charter school test data show how all debates about education could be improved: by carefully accounting for the difficulty of educating particular groups of students before interpreting test scores, and by focusing on student gains, not their level of achievement at any particular time.