AI Summary
[DOCUMENT_TYPE: syllabus]
**What This Document Is**
This is a comprehensive syllabus for EVAL 6970: Meta-Analysis, a graduate-level course offered at Western Michigan University within the Research on Evaluation program. It outlines the structure, expectations, and learning objectives for a semester-long exploration of research synthesis techniques. The syllabus details a course focused on advanced analytical methods used to combine and interpret findings from multiple studies. It’s designed for students seeking a deep understanding of how to systematically review and quantitatively analyze research literature.
**Why This Document Matters**
This syllabus is essential for prospective students considering enrollment in EVAL 6970. Current students will rely on it throughout the semester as a central reference for course policies, grading criteria, and scheduling information. Researchers and evaluators interested in understanding the components of a rigorous meta-analysis course will also find it valuable. It’s particularly useful for those planning to conduct systematic reviews or synthesize evidence for evidence-based practice and policy decisions. Understanding the course scope will help you determine if it aligns with your professional development goals.
**Common Limitations or Challenges**
This syllabus provides an overview of the course but does *not* contain the actual course materials, assigned readings, datasets, or detailed instructions for conducting a meta-analysis. It does not offer step-by-step guides or worked examples of statistical calculations. It also doesn’t include the specific content of lectures or discussions. Access to the full course content requires enrollment and purchase.
**What This Document Provides**
* A detailed course description outlining the core focus on research reviews and meta-analyses.
* 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 key student learning objectives related to meta-analytic techniques.
* Identification of required textbooks and the expectation of additional readings.
* Prerequisite course recommendations to ensure student preparedness.
* An overview of topics including effect size computation, heterogeneity, and publication bias.