Meta-Analysis in Educational Technology Research: A Content Analysis

Abstract

Meta-analysis is a quantitative research method for synthesizing research results. This paper explores the application of meta-analysis in educational technology research from 2000. A total of 37 articles from 14 SSCI journals were selected and analyzed with the basic information of the articles, including the publication year and type of cooperation. Then, the moderator variables, such as grade level, discipline, instruction approaches and technology use, are coded and conducted descriptive analysis to reveal the application and practice of meta-analysis method in educational technology. The Mean Effect Size of 774 effect sizes is small (d = 0.4843). Most of meta-analyses in educational technology field were conducted by cooperating with domain experts. Furthermore, most meta-analyses focus on comparing the effects on learning achievement of technology use with traditional classroom, but neglected the effect of specific technologies on instruction or learning and how to use them to support learning and instruction.