Quantitative Research Synthesis Research Articles

The magnitude of Allee effects varies across Allee mechanisms, but not taxonomic groups

The Allee effect is a density‐dependent phenomenon in which individual fitness increases as population density increases at low population densities. Over the past few decades, a growing number of studies have identified Allee effects in populations using experimental approaches and statistical modeling techniques. These studies have investigated multiple Allee mechanisms (e.g. mate‐finding, predation, resource limitation), across a range of systems and taxa (e.g. plants, vertebrates, invertebrates). This meta‐analysis aims to synthesize studies that experimentally manipulated population density and measured either per capita population growth or fitness components, with the goal of determining whether the ‘magnitude' of the Allee effect (defined here as the positive correlation between population density and population growth or fitness) varies with Allee mechanism across taxonomic groups. A total of 2305 studies were screened, and 62 of these studies met our meta‐analysis inclusion criteria. Within these 62 studies, 155 effect sizes encompassing nine different Allee mechanisms were identified across five broad taxa. When grouped by Allee mechanism and taxa, the magnitude of the Allee effect differed across mechanisms, whereas taxonomic group was less useful at explaining variation in the magnitude of Allee effects. Of the nine Allee mechanisms identified, interspecific competition was associated with the largest Allee effects, followed by fear, pollen limitation and mate limitation. These findings suggest that Allee effects may be more dependent on mechanism than taxa and may function similarly within different taxonomic groups. However, as the majority of experimental Allee effect studies included in this meta‐analysis focused on plants and invertebrates, more research is needed on Allee effects in other taxonomic groups to confirm this conclusion. This first quantitative synthesis of Allee effect research in ecology offers novel insight into how Allee mechanisms affect the manifestation of Allee effects in populations, providing important information for ecologists and conservationists.

Sleep loss and emotion: A systematic review and meta-analysis of over 50 years of experimental research.

In a largely sleep-deprived society, quantifying the effects of sleep loss on emotion is critical for promoting psychological health. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the effects of various forms of sleep loss on multiple aspects of emotional experiences. Eligible studies used experimental reductions of sleep via total sleep deprivation, partial sleep restriction, or sleep fragmentation in healthy populations to examine effects on positive affect, negative affect, general mood disturbances, emotional reactivity, anxiety symptoms, and/or depressive symptoms. In total, 1,338 effect sizes across 154 studies were included (N = 5,717; participant age range = 7-79 years). Random effects models were conducted, and all forms of sleep loss resulted in reduced positive affect (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.27 to -1.14), increased anxiety symptoms (SMD = 0.57-0.63), and blunted arousal in response to emotional stimuli (SMD = -0.20 to -0.53). Findings for negative affect, reports of emotional valence in response to emotional stimuli, and depressive symptoms were mixed and depended on the type of sleep loss. Nonlinear effects for the amount of sleep loss as well as differences based on the stage of sleep restricted (i.e., rapid eye movement sleep or slow-wave sleep) were also detected. This study represents the most comprehensive quantitative synthesis of experimental sleep and emotion research to date and provides strong evidence that periods of extended wakefulness, shortened sleep duration, and/or nighttime awakenings adversely influence human emotional functioning. Findings provide an integrative foundation for future research on sleep and emotion and elucidate the precise ways that inadequate sleep may impact our daytime emotional lives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effect of Teaching with Concept Maps on Academic Success in Biology Teaching: A Meta-Analysis Study

In this study, it was aimed to examine the effect of teaching using concept maps in biology teaching in the context of Turkey on academic achievement using the meta-analysis method that includes the synthesis of quantitative research. The problem of the research was determined as "What is the general effect of the use of concept maps and teaching method in biology teaching on academic achievement". Among the studies, some criteria were determined for the studies to be included in the meta-analysis, and a total of 24 studies that met these criteria formed the sample of the research. Hedges' g coefficient was used in the analysis of the data. In the current study, the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis program known as CMA was used to calculate the effect size and variances. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the research, the research was examined with the random effects model. When the findings are examined, it has been determined that the 1,598 effect sizes calculated for the random effects model have a large effect on the academic success of the teaching method with concept maps in biology teaching according to the classification made by Cohen (1988). According to this finding, the teaching method with concept maps in biology teaching, academic success; It was concluded that compared to the traditional method treated in the control group, it increased at a large level.

Supporting Solidarity

Supporting Solidarity

A meta‐analysis investigating the effects of energy infrastructure proximity on grouse demography and space use

The increased global demand for energy will require additional tools to help guide policy and management actions to conserve wildlife. Grouse (Tetraoninae) are adversely affected by infrastructure associated with energy development but the magnitude of effects are difficult to quantify in a singular management prescription. Advancement in monitoring and analysis techniques have allowed researchers to evaluate complex questions surrounding the effects of infrastructure on grouse populations, rapidly increasing our knowledge. To better inform management decisions, especially with the emergence of renewable energy, a quantitative synthesis of previous research evaluating the effects of infrastructure on grouse populations is needed. We reviewed studies evaluating the effect of energy infrastructure on grouse, with the main objective to determine the magnitude of effect on grouse lek attendance, resource selection, and survival to help inform future conservation actions. We modeled slope coefficients for distance to energy infrastructure, standardized by scale, on various behaviors to determine overall effect sizes in a meta‐analysis. We used 93 study‐result combinations from 21 studies that directly evaluated resource selection, survival, or lek attendance relative to energy infrastructure. Trends in overall effect sizes suggest an adverse effect of distance to energy infrastructure on grouse behavior; however, the combination of non‐significant pooled regression slopes and high among‐study heterogeneity suggest the effect of distance to energy infrastructure is context dependent. While distance to infrastructure is a common metric used in many grouse management plans, our results suggest distance to infrastructure may not be a reliable predictor of grouse behavior and the effect is context dependent making management prescriptions based solely on distance to infrastructure in a one size fits all approach difficult. Our analysis points to numerous aspects that scientists can improve upon by evaluating density in conjunction with distance to energy infrastructure as well as reporting the necessary statistics for future meta‐analyses.

Poverty stigma, mental health, and well‐being: A rapid review and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research

AbstractPoverty is associated with higher rates of mental illness and lower levels of well‐being. Poverty affects mental health and well‐being through a range of mechanisms, one of which may be experiences of stigma associated with living in poverty or accessing services designed to assist individuals on low incomes (including social security). The aim of this study was to synthesise published research on the relationship between individuals' experiences of poverty stigma and aspects of mental health and well‐being. A rapid review was undertaken of quantitative and qualitative research published between January 2005 and February 2021. In total, 22 (5 quantitative and 17 qualitative or mixed methods) studies met the inclusion criteria, the findings of which were extracted and analysed using thematic synthesis. Experiences of poverty stigma were found to be associated with four broad aspects of mental health and well‐being: negative self‐evaluations, diminished social well‐being, negative affect, and mental ill‐health. Several forms of poverty stigma, including self, received, perceived, anticipated, and endorsed stigma were implicated in these associations. Poverty stigma may contribute to inequalities in mental illness and well‐being, although further quantitative and longitudinal research is required to test its impact on mental health.

Identifying opportunities for hepatic encephalopathy self-management: A mixed methods systematic review and synthesis.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in cirrhosis is an extremely challenging complication for patients and care partners. To identify potentially modifiable factors to enhance HE self-management strategies, we conducted a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research about real-world HE behaviours, knowledge, and experiences. Using the EPPI-Centre's mixed methods synthesis procedure, a systematic literature search in five databases was completed; methods of selected articles underwent critical appraisal followed by descriptive analysis and coded line-by-line of content. Through refutational translation, the findings from the quantitative and qualitative syntheses were juxtaposed to highlight congruencies, incongruencies, or gaps. These findings informed generation of cross-analytical themes that were transformed into action statements. The quantitative narrative review of synthesis (n = 17) generated four themes (patients had low awareness of HE and low treatment adherence rates, physicians had a non-uniform approach to non-pharmaceutical therapies). Meta-aggregation of qualitative data from six articles yielded three themes (patients and care partners had low levels of HE awareness, were unfamiliar with HE self-management, and were adherent to treatments). Comparison of findings revealed three congruencies, two gaps, and one incongruency. The combined synthesis yielded two self-management themes: universal patient-oriented cirrhosis HE education and ensuring each health care encounter systematically addresses HE to guarantee health care is continuously modified to meet their needs. By drawing on elements of Bloom's Taxonomy and distributed knowledge networks, deliberate patient-oriented HE messaging at all health care encounters is greatly needed to improve health outcomes and reduce care burdens related to HE.

Home Literacy Environment and English as A Second Language Acquisition: A Meta-analysis

ABSTRACT This paper is a quantitative synthesis of research on home literacy environment (HLE) and children’s English as a second language (ESL) learning outcomes through a meta-analysis of 18 articles in kindergarten, primary, and secondary school students (N = 4401) carried out between 2000 and 2018. It examines the associations between HLE factors and children’s ESL performance. Results showed the effect sizes between HLE factors and children’s ESL performance was small to moderate. Family members shared a similar effect size on children’s ESL performance. Parental literacy teaching behaviors have stronger effects on children’s ESL ability than parental beliefs on their children’s English learning and the availability of learning resources at home. These results highlight the importance of HLE and indicate the relative contributions of specific HLE factors on children’s ESL acquisition.

A Review of Research on The Use of Augmented Reality in Physics Learning

The aim of this study is to reveal augmented reality on the effect of models in learning physics. This article is a qualitative synthesis of quantitative and qualitative research that investigates the design of learning with augmented reality which is applied in physics learning and its impact on learning. Articles published between 2015 and 2021 were reviewed, and 30 articles were included for detailed analysis and synthesis. The results of the study indicate that integrating augmented reality with teaching materials and learning models is capable to support the process and student learning outcomes. It was also found that problem-based augmented reality made learning more meaningful. Studies related to AR that measure students’ critical thinking skills are still minimal. Future research is urgently needed to look in detail at the effect of problem-based augmented reality media on students’ critical thinking skills.

Toward a comprehensive and potentially cross-cultural model of why people engage in collective action: A quantitative research synthesis of four motivations and structural constraints.

Sociopsychological theorizing and research on collective action (e.g., social protests) has mushroomed over the last decade, studying a wide variety of groups, contexts, and cultures. Through a quantitative research synthesis of four motivations for collective action (1,235 effects from 403 samples; total N = 123,707), we summarize and synthesize this body of research into the dual chamber model, a comprehensive and potentially cross-cultural model of collective action. We aim to replicate previous meta-analytic conclusions (about identity, injustice, and efficacy) and break new theoretical ground by (a) integrating a fourth motivation (morality) into the very heart of the psychology of collective action, (b) extending these four motivations to advantaged group members acting in solidarity with the disadvantaged, and (c) integrating theoretically relevant structural (i.e., cultural and other contextual) constraints. Results substantiated the dual chamber model as all four motivations yielded unique, positive, medium-sized effects and interrelationships were positive (particularly among morality and identity, conceptualized as the dual chambers of the protester's beating heart). Meta-analytic structural equation modeling supported the added value of including morality. Moreover, findings confirmed that the strongest specific motivations were emotional injustice and politicized identification, while newly adding moral conviction to that list. Finally, the four motivations extended to advantaged group members acting in solidarity with the disadvantaged, while only the identity motivation was constrained by theoretically relevant cultural dimensions and values (e.g., collectivism and hierarchy). We discuss the implications and limitations of the dual chamber model for integrative theorizing, innovative research, and the practice of collective action. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

발달장애아동의 언어행동에 대한 국내 중재 연구의 양적 종합

이 연구에서는 발달장애아동의 언어능력을 향상시키기 위한 언어행동 중재에 대한 연구현황을 양적으로 종합하고, 이러한 연구에 나타난 언어행동 중재의 전반적인 효과를 알아보고자 하였다. 이 연구의 목적을 위해 발달장애아동의 언어행동의 중재와 관련하여 18편의 국내발표 논문들을 분석하였다. 논문들에 대한 분석은 언어행동과 관련된 연구현황 및 중재 효과 크기(PND)에 대하여 다음과 같은 결과를 보여주었다. 첫째, 언어행동 중재에 대한 연구는 많지는 않지만 꾸준히 발표되어져 오고 있었으며, 연구대상에 있어서는 대체로 자폐성장애가 있는 남자 유아를 대상으로 중재가 가장 많이 이루어졌다. 또한 연구설계의 경우 중다기초선 설계를 중심으로 이루어지고 있었다. 검토대상 연구의 대부분은 신뢰도를 제시하였지만, 중재충실도 및 사회적 타당도에 대한 제시는 다소 부족하였다. 둘째, 중재의 PND와 관련하여 4가지 언어행동(종속변인) 가운데 맨드에 대한 교수방법이 가장 높은 PND를 나타내었으며, 그 다음으로 에코익, 인트라버벌, 택트의 순으로 효과를 나타내었다. 이러한 연구 결과는 언어행동 중재 연구가 보다 다양한 연령대의 다양한 유형의 장애아동을 대상으로 여러 언어 기능의 중재 효과가 연구되어야 하며 서로 다른 교수방법의 효과를 명확히 알 수 있도록 질 높은 연구가 이루어질 필요가 있음을 시사한다.

Body image flexibility and its correlates: A meta-analysis

Body image flexibility refers to the ability to openly experience thoughts or feelings about the body without acting on them or trying to change them. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that body image flexibility is connected to numerous adaptive processes, and that it is sensitive to change during psychological interventions. However, a quantitative synthesis of empirical research on body image flexibility is lacking. We conducted the first meta-analysis on body image flexibility and its correlates. Sixty-two studies were included. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted on 19 psychological correlates, divided into three clusters: eating and body image disturbances, positive body-related and general psychological constructs, and general psychopathology. Meta-analyses showed inverse correlations between body image flexibility and each construct within the eating and body image disturbances cluster (rs= −.45 to −.67), and the general psychopathology cluster (rs= −.37 to −.58). Body image flexibility was positively associated with each positive psychology construct (rs = .23 – .58). Men reported higher levels of body image flexibility than women (d = 0.32). Psychological interventions were more effective than control groups at enhancing body image flexibility in randomized controlled trials (d = 0.42). Findings confirm that body image flexibility is consistently connected to indices of mental health, and that it can be enhanced during psychological interventions.

A Synthesis of Quantitative Research on Programs for Struggling Readers in Elementary Schools

AbstractIn this article, we review research on the outcomes of diverse reading programs on the achievement of struggling readers in elementary schools. Sixty‐five studies of 51 different programs met rigorous standards. Eighty‐three percent were randomized experiments and 17% quasi‐experiments. Outcomes were positive for one‐to‐one tutoring and were positive but not as large for one‐to‐small group tutoring. There were no differences in outcomes between teachers and teaching assistants as tutors. Whole‐class approaches (mostly cooperative learning) and whole‐class/whole‐school approaches incorporating tutoring for struggling readers obtained outcomes for struggling readers as large as those found for all forms of tutoring, on average, and benefited many more students. Technology‐supported adaptive instruction did not have statistically significant positive outcomes for struggling readers, however. In agreement with findings of previous reviews, in this synthesis, we found that substantial impacts can be obtained for struggling readers, with interventions aligned within a Response to Intervention network.

Supplemental Material for Toward a Comprehensive and Potentially Cross-Cultural Model of Why People Engage in Collective Action: A Quantitative Research Synthesis of Four Motivations and Structural Constraints

Supplemental Material for Toward a Comprehensive and Potentially Cross-Cultural Model of Why People Engage in Collective Action: A Quantitative Research Synthesis of Four Motivations and Structural Constraints

Mindfulness-Based Programs for Patients With Cancer via eHealth and Mobile Health: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Quantitative Research.

BackgroundeHealth mindfulness-based programs (eMBPs) are on the rise in complex oncology and palliative care. However, we are still at the beginning of answering the questions of how effective eMBPs are and for whom, and what kinds of delivery modes are the most efficient.ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to examine the feasibility and efficacy of eMBPs in improving the mental health and well-being of patients with cancer, to describe intervention characteristics and delivery modes of these programs, and to summarize the results of the included studies in terms of moderators, mediators, and predictors of efficacy, adherence, and attrition.MethodsIn total, 4 databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge) were searched using relevant search terms (eg, mindfulness, program, eHealth, neoplasm) and their variations. No restrictions were imposed on language or publication type. The results of the efficacy of eMBPs were synthesized through the summarizing effect estimates method.Results A total of 29 published papers describing 24 original studies were included in this review. In general, the results indicate that eMBPs have the potential to reduce the levels of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep problems, and pain, and improve the levels of mindfulness, posttraumatic growth, and some parameters of general health. The largest median of Cohen d effect sizes were observed in reducing anxiety and depression (within-subject: median −0.38, IQR −0.62 to −0.27; between-group: median −0.42, IQR −0.58 to −0.22) and facilitating posttraumatic growth (within-subject: median 0.42, IQR 0.35 to 0.48; between-group: median 0.32, IQR 0.22 to 0.39). The efficacy of eMBP may be comparable with that of parallel, face-to-face MBPs in some cases. All studies that evaluated the feasibility of eMBPs reported that they are feasible for patients with cancer. Potential moderators, mediators, and predictors of the efficacy, attrition, and adherence of eMBPs are discussed. ConclusionsAlthough the effects of the reviewed studies were highly heterogeneous, the review provides evidence that eMBPs are an appropriate way for mindfulness practice to be delivered to patients with cancer. Thus far, existing eMBPs have mostly attempted to convert proven face-to-face mindfulness programs to the eHealth mode. They have not yet fully exploited the potential of eHealth technology.

Hanoi Consumers' Attitudes Toward Direct Marketing

In an increasingly competitive environment, retailers must understand consumers' behaviors in order to can build effective communication strategies, to maintain loyal customers. Attitudes are fundamental factors that have great influences on consumers' behaviors. In order to change a part of consumers' attitudes toward direct marketing, it is necessary to analyze the components that influence the attitudes. On the basis of the synthesis of theory and quantitative research, the result shows that five factors influence on consumers' attitude towards with direct marketing. They are informativity, persuasion, harassment, convenience, and permission. Convenience is the greatest factor that impacts on consumer attitudes toward direct marketing. Harassment have the opposite effect on consumer attitudes toward direct marketing. Keywords: Consumer Attitude, Direct Marketing DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-30-03 Publication date: October 31 st 2020

Towards a Comprehensive and Potentially Cross-Cultural Model of Why People Engage in Collective Action: A Quantitative Research Synthesis of Four Motivations and Structural Constraints

Sociopsychological theorizing and research on collective action (e.g., social protests) has mushroomed over the last decade, studying a wide variety of groups, contexts, and cultures. Through a quantitative research synthesis of four motivations for collective action (1,235 effects from 403 samples; total N = 123,707), we summarize and synthesize this body of research into the dual chamber model, a comprehensive and potentially cross-cultural model of collective action. We aim to replicate previous meta-analytic conclusions (about identity, injustice, and efficacy) and break new theoretical ground by (a) integrating a fourth motivation (morality) into the very heart of the psychology of collective action, (b) extending these four motivations to advantaged group members acting in solidarity with the disadvantaged, and (c) integrating theoretically relevant structural (i.e., cultural and other contextual) constraints. Results substantiated the dual chamber model as all four motivations yielded unique, positive, medium-sized effects and interrelationships were positive (particularly among morality and identity, conceptualized as the dual chambers of the protester's beating heart). Meta-analytic structural equation modeling supported the added value of including morality. Moreover, findings confirmed that the strongest specific motivations were emotional injustice and politicized identification, while newly adding moral conviction to that list. Finally, the four motivations extended to advantaged group members acting in solidarity with the disadvantaged, while only the identity motivation was constrained by theoretically relevant cultural dimensions and values (e.g., collectivism and hierarchy). We discuss the implications and limitations of the dual chamber model for integrative theorizing, innovative research, and the practice of collective action. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Do cover crops benefit soil microbiome? A meta-analysis of current research

Cover cropping is a promising sustainable agricultural method with the potential to enhance soil health and mitigate consequences of soil degradation. Because cover cropping can form an agroecosystem distinct from that of bare fallow, the soil microbiome is hypothesized to respond to the altered environmental circumstances. Despite the growing number of primary literature sources investigating the relationship between cover cropping and the soil microbiome, there has not been a quantitative research synthesis that is sufficiently comprehensive and specific to this relationship. We conducted a meta-analysis by compiling the results of 60 relevant studies reporting cover cropping effects on soil microbial properties to estimate global effect sizes and explore the current landscape of this topic. Overall, cover cropping significantly increased parameters of soil microbial abundance, activity, and diversity by 27%, 22%, and 2.5% respectively, compared to those of bare fallow. Moreover, cover cropping effect sizes varied by agricultural covariates like cover crop termination or tillage methods. Notably, cover cropping effects were less pronounced under conditions like continental climate, chemical cover crop termination, and conservation tillage. This meta-analysis showed that the soil microbiome can become more robust under cover cropping when properly managed with other agricultural practices. However, more primary research is still needed to control between-study heterogeneity and to more elaborately assess the relationships between cover cropping and the soil microbiome.

Implementing pelvic floor muscle training in women's childbearing years: A critical interpretive synthesis of individual, professional, and service issues.

AimsAntenatal pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) may be effective for the prevention and treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence both in pregnancy and postnatally, but it is not routinely implemented in practice despite guideline recommendations. This review synthesizes evidence that exposes challenges, opportunities, and concerns regarding the implementation of PFMT during the childbearing years, from the perspective of individuals, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and organizations.MethodsCritical interpretive synthesis of systematically identified primary quantitative or qualitative studies or research syntheses of women's and HCPs attitudes, beliefs, or experiences of implementing PFMT.ResultsFifty sources were included. These focused on experiences of postnatal urinary incontinence (UI) and perspectives of individual postnatal women, with limited evidence exploring the views of antenatal women and HCP or wider organizational and environmental issues. The concept of agency (people's ability to effect change through their interaction with other people, processes, and systems) provides an over‐arching explanation of how PFMT can be implemented during childbearing years. This requires both individual and collective action of women, HCPs, maternity services and organizations, funders and policymakers.ConclusionNumerous factors constrain women's and HCPs capacity to implement PFMT. It is unrealistic to expect women and HCPs to implement PFMT without reforming policy and service delivery. The implementation of PFMT during pregnancy, as recommended by antenatal care and UI management guidelines, requires policymakers, organizations, HCPs, and women to value the prevention of incontinence throughout women's lives by using low‐risk, low‐cost, and proven strategies as part of women's reproductive health.

A meta-analysis of human health differences in urban and rural environments

Human health outcomes are known to be affected not only by individual physical and socio-economic status, but also by external environmental conditions, as well as by place-based economic and geographical circumstances. In recent decades, a large number of studies have addressed the background of differences in health outcomes between rural and urban areas. Are rural ways of living healthier than urban ways of living? This has led to a wealth of studies on human health and the geographical differences of living and working. The effects of regional or urban characteristics on health outcomes are often inconsistent among different studies/countries. An important factor that seems to be important is the ambiguous definition of both health and urbanism, as well as the presence of intra-regional heterogeneity (e.g. inner-city areas). In the present study, we conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on space and health indicators, based on a broad, but concise overview of the underlying mechanisms involved. Next, we provide a quantitative research synthesis with the help of a meta-analysis of published studies on self-rated/self-reported physical health conditions in rural and urban areas. The results from our meta-analytical regression analysis indicate that there is not a clearly convincing difference between rural and urban areas; however, people in rural areas appear to rate themselves slightly healthier than their urban counterparts. In addition, we observe that self-rated/reported fair/poor health is also highly dependent on a number of personal and socio-economic factors; from a personal perspective, education, addiction, physical activity, and duration of residence appear to play a significant role, while, from a socio-economic perspective, in particular, community predictor measures (e.g. gross domestic product, population, unemployment rate) appear to exert a substantial influence.