AI Summary
[DOCUMENT_TYPE: syllabus]
**What This Document Is**
This is a detailed syllabus for EVAL 6970: Meta-Analysis, a graduate-level course offered at Western Michigan University in Spring 2011. It outlines the course structure, expectations, and learning objectives for students delving into the advanced research methodology of meta-analysis. The syllabus serves as a comprehensive guide to the course, providing essential information for prospective and enrolled students. It details logistical aspects like meeting times and location, as well as academic components such as required materials and assessment criteria.
**Why This Document Matters**
This syllabus is crucial for anyone considering enrolling in, or currently taking, this specific meta-analysis course. It’s particularly valuable for graduate students in evaluation, measurement, research, or related fields who need a strong understanding of research synthesis techniques. Prospective students can use it to determine if the course aligns with their academic goals and skillset. Current students will rely on it throughout the semester as a central reference for policies, assignments, and important dates. Researchers seeking to understand the scope of a graduate-level meta-analysis curriculum will also find it insightful.
**Common Limitations or Challenges**
This syllabus provides an overview of the course but does *not* contain the actual course content itself. It will not provide specific readings, data sets, or detailed explanations of statistical procedures. It also doesn’t include completed examples of meta-analyses or step-by-step instructions for conducting one. The syllabus outlines the *topics* covered, but accessing the full learning experience requires enrollment and participation in the course.
**What This Document Provides**
* A clear description of the course’s focus on research reviews, syntheses, and meta-analysis.
* Information regarding course credit hours and the meeting schedule.
* Instructor contact information and office hour policies.
* A link to the official course website for accessing supplemental materials.
* A list of core student learning objectives related to meta-analytic techniques.
* Identification of required textbooks and the expectation of additional readings.
* An overview of key concepts like effect sizes, heterogeneity, and publication bias.
* Mention of software used in the course (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 2.0).