I immediately wondered, "How do you pick your studies?" and in no time, the task seemed as daunting as any experimental study. Hillocks reviewed about 500 and chose only 60. Wow. Even if five to ten studies can be worthwhile for meta-analysis, a meta-analysis's literature review puts our measly annotated bib to shame. It's interesting that the effect size for a study, the impact on the original study's dependent variable, now becomes the criterion variable. The actual methods used in the original studies disappear after the choice to use the studies is made. The criteria for selecting studies seem rather arbitrary, and avoiding bias in this selection might be the biggest challenge in meta-analysis. Once criteria (favored methods) for choosing studies are established, that bias is furthered by then seeking homogeneity. Although I can't argue with the logic behind homogeneity--that correctly performed studies should yield similar results--I cannot help but feel sorry for studies designed with new ways to test similar variables. Meta-analysis seems to dismiss any research that goes against the grain. Only meta-analyses can compete with meta-analyses, and the results of meta-analysis may be given too much clout.
Maybe I'm just paranoid. If the results usually say one thing, let's see how strongly they say it using meta-analysis!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Numbers...where are the real people?
Sooo many formulas! Sooo many numbers! I am saturated with statistics, but will try to contribute something to the readings of L/A.
I have questions: Does the move into quasi-experiments(and back to combinations of true and quasi) lose the individual? Does the meta-analysis attempt to validate while ignoring the importance of variables to real life application of the study?
It is interesting that in today's diverse classroom world that everything starts out trying to equalize the subjects. Maybe that is something to address for the fallity of promoting "cookie cutter" education? Everyone is not equal there was the Fox study that excluded maybe some of the very students who needed help(I do not have a motivational answer or burn-out answer). I am reminded of Diane's discussion of how Developmental students might survive the Developmental class, but not more main stream work.
How does anyone get past the perceived "teacher expectation" in any study?
When looking at the meta-analysis, I think the study selection and criteria under the Research design places a real life value to our literature search as well as the annotated bibliography. The value of same or similar studies can be double-edged. Will the study just be a rehash or can the study build on the past? Most importantly, will there be real life applications?
We seem to have great ideas that will work in individual situations, with individual students and teachers-just listen to the conversations in our class. But when will there be social discourse that recognizes the worth of the fluidity of teaching? The Hierarchy of Worth of the research might seem to be more valuable than the front line work. As a parent, my main concern is my child
I have questions: Does the move into quasi-experiments(and back to combinations of true and quasi) lose the individual? Does the meta-analysis attempt to validate while ignoring the importance of variables to real life application of the study?
It is interesting that in today's diverse classroom world that everything starts out trying to equalize the subjects. Maybe that is something to address for the fallity of promoting "cookie cutter" education? Everyone is not equal there was the Fox study that excluded maybe some of the very students who needed help(I do not have a motivational answer or burn-out answer). I am reminded of Diane's discussion of how Developmental students might survive the Developmental class, but not more main stream work.
How does anyone get past the perceived "teacher expectation" in any study?
When looking at the meta-analysis, I think the study selection and criteria under the Research design places a real life value to our literature search as well as the annotated bibliography. The value of same or similar studies can be double-edged. Will the study just be a rehash or can the study build on the past? Most importantly, will there be real life applications?
We seem to have great ideas that will work in individual situations, with individual students and teachers-just listen to the conversations in our class. But when will there be social discourse that recognizes the worth of the fluidity of teaching? The Hierarchy of Worth of the research might seem to be more valuable than the front line work. As a parent, my main concern is my child
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Meta and Quasi, etc.
I found the reading interesting this week, though I must admit that I doubt I'll ever need to apply this to my own research.
To me, it seems that when it comes to conducting a True versus a Quasi, the latter would be far more practical, logistics-wise, for the average person. Also, I fail to see how the True is that much more valid than the Quasi if the Quasi is administered with proper pretesting (to make sure the groups are relatively equal). As long as the groups are equal, I would think, one would be able to make fairly confident cause-and-effect statements.
As for the Meta: wow. This was way over my head. Again, not something I expect to actually have to know for my own purposes. Interesting to know, but not very relevant to me.
To me, it seems that when it comes to conducting a True versus a Quasi, the latter would be far more practical, logistics-wise, for the average person. Also, I fail to see how the True is that much more valid than the Quasi if the Quasi is administered with proper pretesting (to make sure the groups are relatively equal). As long as the groups are equal, I would think, one would be able to make fairly confident cause-and-effect statements.
As for the Meta: wow. This was way over my head. Again, not something I expect to actually have to know for my own purposes. Interesting to know, but not very relevant to me.
trochaic pentameter-Tara
I still have no idea....
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Trochaic Heptameter - Jacky
Hoping I got this even kinda, sorta, possibly close to the vicinity of where it was supposed to be. My "trochaic heptameter" is:
Steadfast smarties swim through writing and make learning worthwhile
Steadfast smarties swim through writing and make learning worthwhile
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