Accumulating Evidence: Procedures for Resolving Contradictions among Different Research Studies.

摘要: Significant knowledge in the social sciences accrues ever too slowly. A major reason is that various research studies on a particular question tend to be of dissimilar designs, making their results difficult compare. An even more important factor science frequently produce conflicting results, which hinder theoretical developments and confuse those responsible for implementation policies. In this pioneering effort authors suggest criteria determining when data from can pooled. Methods recognizing fundamental differences avoiding creation artificial differences, are offered. paradigm, labeled "cluster approach," proposed as means combining conclusions have been drawn. Major emphasis placed ways paradigm might solve problems presently faced by educational researchers, several comparing effectiveness preschool ...