ABSTRACT
Meta-analysis offers several distinct advantages over the discursive approach and its frequent companion, the vote-counting method of aggregation. Specific questions about the relationships between effectiveness and child, family, and program characteristics also can be investigated through meta-analysis. Policymakers and program directors will undoubtedly generate many sophisticated and specific questions to ask about the interactions of child, family, and program variables. In early intervention, the effect of such programs on children appears to be strong, and the results of a meta-analytic review will most likely enhance support of such programs. Judgment plays a unique role in meta-analysis in decisions made about the coding process of the set of primary studies. The advent of meta-analysis may not only encourage more discussion about the need for reporting standards and about the limitations of various review methods, but it may also stimulate technical advances.
