Special Topics Research Seminar (525-0-37)

Topic

Meta-Analysis

Instructors

Nathan Walter

Meeting Info

Frances Searle 1180-Dean Conf: Wed 9:00AM - 11:50AM

Overview of class

The meta-analytical approach to knowledge generation is based on the deceptively simple observation that the perfect study does not exist—after all, any individual inquiry is vulnerable to unavoidable sources of bias and numerous idiosyncrasies. If so, vastly more can be learned by synthesizing a body of knowledge, crystalizing its true effects, and attempting to identify boundary conditions that tell us when and for whom certain effects occur. The goal of this seminar is to present the method of meta-analysis in its full complexity by discussing its historical context, examining its underlying assumptions, locating its places within communication research, and understanding advanced methods of research synthesis. Putting knowledge into practice, students (in groups) will conceptualize and carry out their own meta-analysis during the course. This includes: (a) identifying a rationale and articulating it as a research question/hypothesis, (b) setting boundaries for a systematic literature search, (c) locating published (and unpublished) studies, (d) developing a coding scheme and coding studies, (e) retrieving and computing effect sizes, (f) constructing a dataset and analyzing main and moderated effects, (g) conducting various publication bias analyses, and (h) writing up the study for publication. As such, this is an intensive course that requires understanding of quantitative research methods and statistics.

Class Attributes

Graduate Students Only

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.