scholarly journals The effects of Task-Based Language Teaching on the Speaking Skill: A systematic research synthesis and meta-analysis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 72-93
Author(s):  
Alberto Medina Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Language Teaching ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Speaking Skill ◽  
Cohen's D

Durante más de tres décadas, las estrategias de enseñanza de idiomas basada en tareas han constituido un objeto de investigación en el campo de la adquisición de segundas lenguas. Sin embargo, un enfoque TBLT se ha adoptado plenamente en algunas partes del mundo, pero no en otras. A pesar de que han existido revisiones sistemáticas y meta análisis previos que investigan la implementación de la metodología TBLT, todavía existe la necesidad de una síntesis de los efectos de tareas comunicativas en la producción oral. Este articulo proporciona una síntesis de investigación sistemática de diferentes intervenciones TBLT sobre la producción oral. En total, 61 estudios publicados fueron extraídos, codificados y analizados siguiendo los procedimientos de codificación establecidos para las revisiones sistemáticas. Además, también se realizó un estudio meta analítico de 11 investigaciones con el objetivo de determinar los efectos generales de la aplicación de una estrategia oral TBLT como tratamiento en diferentes contextos. Los resultados revelaron un efecto mediano-grande de Cohen’s (d=0,78) para las intervenciones holísticas de TBLT en la producción oral. La síntesis de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos también revelo un impacto positivo de la técnica de repetición de las tareas en un lapso de tiempo y la planificación previa a las tareas para mejorar la complejidad lingüística, la precisión y la dimensión de fluidez de la expresión oral. El estudio concluye con implicaciones para la implementación de una estrategia TBLT en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras.    

scholarly journals Hippocampal and Amygdalar Volume Changes in Major Depressive Disorder: A Targeted Review and Focus on Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 247054702094455
Author(s):  
Mark Nolan ◽  
Elena Roman ◽  
Anurag Nasa ◽  
Kirk J. Levins ◽  
Erik O’Hanlon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Temporal Lobe ◽  
Medial Temporal Lobe ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Volume Changes ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Left And Right ◽  
Cohen's D

Medial temporal lobe structures have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder. Although findings of smaller hippocampal and amygdalar volumes are common, inconsistencies remain in the literature. In this targeted review, we examine recent and significant neuroimaging papers examining the volumes of these structures in major depressive disorder. A targeted PubMed/Google Scholar search was undertaken focusing on volumetric neuroimaging studies of the hippocampus and amygdala in major depressive disorder. Where possible, mean volumes and accompanying standard deviations were extracted allowing computation of Cohen’s ds effect sizes. Although not a meta-analysis, this allows a broad comparison of volume changes across studies. Thirty-nine studies in total were assessed. Hippocampal substructures and amygdale substructures were investigated in 11 and 2 studies, respectively. The hippocampus was more consistently smaller than the amygdala across studies, which is reflected in the larger cumulative difference in volume found with the Cohen’s ds calculations. The left and right hippocampi were, respectively, 92% and 91.3% of the volume found in controls, and the left and right amygdalae were, respectively, 94.8% and 92.6% of the volume of controls across all included studies. The role of stress in temporal lobe structure volume reduction in major depressive disorder is discussed.

First Steps in Beginning a Meta-analysis

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gavin B. Stewart ◽  
Isabelle M. Côté ◽  
Hannah R. Rothstein ◽  
Peter S. Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Sampling Error ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Statistical Approaches ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Meta Analyses

This chapter discusses the initiation of the process of systematic research synthesis. Without a systematic approach to defining, obtaining, and collating data, meta-analyses may yield precise but erroneous results, with different types of sampling error (biases) and excess subjectivity in choice of methods and definition of thresholds; these devalue the rigor of any statistical approaches employed. The chapter considers exactly the same issues that face an ecologist designing a field experiment. What's the question? How can I define my sampling universe? How should I collect my data? What analyses should I undertake? How should I interpret my results robustly? These questions are considered in the context of research synthesis.

scholarly journals Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiopulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7643
Author(s):  
Xiaohan Li ◽  
Rongfang Yu ◽  
Ping Wang ◽  
Aiwen Wang ◽  
Huiming Huang
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Exercise Training ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Breathing Exercises ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Cohen's D

(1) Objective: Our objective was to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that have evaluated the benefits of exercise training for elderly pulmonary fibrosis (PF) patients. (2) Methods: Studies in either English or Chinese were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Wanfang, PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases from inception until the first week of April 2021. Age, body mass index (BMI), and exercise frequency, intensity, type, and duration were considered for each participant. The specific data recorded were the six-minute walk distance (6MWD), maximal rate of oxygen consumption (peak VO2), predicted forced vital capacity (FVC% pred), predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO% pred), predicted total lung capacity (TLC% pred), St. George’s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) total score and a modified medical research council score (mMRC). (3) Results: Thirteen studies comprised this meta-analysis (eleven randomized controlled trials and two prospective studies design), wherein 335 patients were exercised and 334 were controls. The results showed that exercise training increased the 6MWD (Cohen’s d = 0.77, MD = 34.04 (95% CI, 26.50–41.58), p < 0.01), peak VO2 (Cohen’s d = 0.45, MD = 1.13 (95% CI, 0.45–1.82), p = 0.0001) and FVC% pred (Cohen’s d = 0.42, MD = 3.94 (95% CI, 0.91–6.96), p = 0.01). However, exercise training reduced scores for the SGRQ (Cohen’s d = 0.89, MD = −8.79 (95% CI, −10.37 to −7.21), p < 0.01) and the mMRC (Cohen’s d = 0.64, MD = −0.58 (95% CI, −0.79 to −0.36), p < 0.01). In contrast, exercise training could not increase DLCO% pred (Cohen’s d = 0.16, MD = 1.86 (95% CI, −0.37–4.09), p = 0.10) and TLC% pred (Cohen’s d = 0.02, MD = 0.07 (95% CI, −6.53–6.67), p = 0.98). Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in frequency, intensity, type, and age in the 6MWD results (p < 0.05), which were higher with low frequency, moderate intensity, aerobic–resistance–flexibility–breathing exercises and age ≤ 70. Meanwhile, the subgroup analysis showed significant differences in exercise intensity and types in the mMRC results (p < 0.05), which were lower with moderate intensity and aerobic–resistance exercises. (4) Conclusions: Exercise training during pulmonary rehabilitation can improved cardiopulmonary endurance and quality of life in elderly patients with PF. The 6MWDs were more noticeable with moderate exercise intensity, combined aerobic–resistance–flexibility–breathing exercises and in younger patients, which all were not affected by BMI levels or exercise durations. As to pulmonary function, exercise training can improve FVC% pred, but has no effect on DLCO% pred and TLC% pred.

scholarly journals Effects of Attentional Focus on Muscular Endurance: A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 89
Author(s):  
Jozo Grgic ◽  
Pavle Mikulic
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Focus Of Attention ◽  
Muscular Endurance ◽  
External Focus ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Internal Focus ◽  
Cohen's D

Several studies explored the effects of attentional focus on resistance exercise, but their analysed outcomes most commonly involved surface electromyography variables. Therefore, the effects of attentional focus on resistance exercise performance remain unclear. The aim of this review was to perform a meta-analysis examining the acute effects of external focus vs. internal focus vs. control on muscular endurance. Five databases were searched to find relevant studies. The data were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. In the analysis for external vs. internal focus of attention, there were seven comparisons with 14 study groups. In the analyses for external focus vs. control and internal focus vs. control, there were six comparisons with 12 study groups. An external focus of attention enhanced muscular endurance when compared with an internal focus (Cohen’s d: 0.58; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34 and 0.82) and control (Cohen’s d: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.08 and 0.76). In the analysis for internal focus vs. control, there was no significant difference between the conditions (Cohen’s d: –0.19; 95% CI: –0.45 and 0.07). Generally, these results remained consistent in the subgroup analyses for upper-body vs. lower-body exercises. From a practical perspective, the results presented in this review suggest that individuals should use an external focus of attention for acute enhancement of muscular endurance.

scholarly journals Registered Replication Report on Mazar, Amir, and Ariely (2008)

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 299-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Verschuere ◽  
Ewout H. Meijer ◽  
Ariane Jim ◽  
Katherine Hoogesteyn ◽  
Robin Orthey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Concept ◽  
Total N ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Priming Task ◽  
Ten Commandments ◽  
Cohen's D ◽  
Problem Solving Task ◽  
Do So

The self-concept maintenance theory holds that many people will cheat in order to maximize self-profit, but only to the extent that they can do so while maintaining a positive self-concept. Mazar, Amir, and Ariely (2008, Experiment 1) gave participants an opportunity and incentive to cheat on a problem-solving task. Prior to that task, participants either recalled the Ten Commandments (a moral reminder) or recalled 10 books they had read in high school (a neutral task). Results were consistent with the self-concept maintenance theory. When given the opportunity to cheat, participants given the moral-reminder priming task reported solving 1.45 fewer matrices than did those given a neutral prime (Cohen’s d = 0.48); moral reminders reduced cheating. Mazar et al.’s article is among the most cited in deception research, but their Experiment 1 has not been replicated directly. This Registered Replication Report describes the aggregated result of 25 direct replications (total N = 5,786), all of which followed the same preregistered protocol. In the primary meta-analysis (19 replications, total n = 4,674), participants who were given an opportunity to cheat reported solving 0.11 more matrices if they were given a moral reminder than if they were given a neutral reminder (95% confidence interval = [−0.09, 0.31]). This small effect was numerically in the opposite direction of the effect observed in the original study (Cohen’s d = −0.04).

scholarly journals Mechanisms of Impact of Blue Spaces on Human Health: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2486
Author(s):  
Michail Georgiou ◽  
Gordon Morison ◽  
Niamh Smith ◽  
Zoë Tieges ◽  
Sebastien Chastin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Cohen's D

Blue spaces have been found to have significant salutogenic effects. However, little is known about the mechanisms and pathways that link blue spaces and health. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarise the evidence and quantify the effect of blue spaces on four hypothesised mediating pathways: physical activity, restoration, social interaction and environmental factors. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted using six databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCOHOST/CINAHL). Fifty studies were included in our systematic review. The overall quality of the included articles, evaluated with the Qualsyst tool, was judged to be very good, as no mediating pathway had an average article quality lower than 70%. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for physical activity, restoration and social interaction. Living closer to blue space was associated with statistically significantly higher physical activity levels (Cohen’s d = 0.122, 95% CI: 0.065, 0.179). Shorter distance to blue space was not associated with restoration (Cohen’s d = 0.123, 95% CI: −0.037, 0.284) or social interaction (Cohen’s d = −0.214, 95% CI: −0.55, 0.122). Larger amounts of blue space within a geographical area were significantly associated with higher physical activity levels (Cohen’s d = 0.144, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.264) and higher levels of restoration (Cohen’s d = 0.339, 95% CI: 0.072, 0.606). Being in more contact with blue space was significantly associated with higher levels of restoration (Cohen’s d = 0.191, 95% CI: 0.084, 0.298). There is also evidence that blue spaces improve environmental factors, but more studies are necessary for meta-analyses to be conducted. Evidence is conflicting on the mediating effects of social interaction and further research is required on this hypothesised pathway. Blue spaces may offer part of a solution to public health concerns faced by growing global urban populations.

scholarly journals Studi meta analisis: Efektivitas progressive muscle relaxation untuk menurunkan kecemasan orang dengan penderita penyakit kronis.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Nur Fadillah ◽  
Ananta Yudiarso
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Muscle Relaxation ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Progressive Muscle Relaxation ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Cohen's D

Objektif: Kecemasan sering terjadi oleh siapapun, terutama yang memiliki riwayat penyakit akan memiliki tingkat kecemasan yang lebih tinggi. Progressive muscle relaxation merupakan salah satu pengobatan non farmakologis yang dapat digunakan untuk menurunkan kecemasan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui efektivitas progressive muscle relaxation dalam menurunkan kecemasan. Metode: Menggunakan meta-analysis berupa review literatur 14 jurnal penelitian internasional. Total partisipan sebanyak 1.022 yang terdiri dari kelompok kontrol sebesar 516 dan kelompok eksperimen sebesar 506. Analisis data menggunakan website Meta-mar. Peneliti menggunakan pedoman dari PRISMA dan MARS.Temuan: Dengan menggunakan analisis statistik cohen’s d effect size, diperoleh hasil pengolahan data yaitu mean (M), standar deviasi (SD), dan sample size (N) menghasilkan effect size dengan menggunakan random effect dengan Hedges'g sebesar 0.81, 95%CI=0,224 sampai 1.401 dengan nilai Inconsistency (I2)= 94,5%. yang berarti bahwa progressive muscle relaxation memiliki efek yang besar untuk menurunkan kecemasan.Kesimpulan: Progressive muscle relaxation memberikan efek yang besar dalam menurunkan kecemasan.

Antipsychotics Efficacy in Treatment of Schizophrenia Negative Symptoms: Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
J. Darbá ◽  
A. Minoves ◽  
E. Rojo ◽  
F. Jiménez ◽  
J. Rejas
Keyword(s):  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Cohen's D

Purpose:To examine the efficacy of second-generation-antipsychotics (SGAs) in the treatment of negative symptoms in Schizophrenia.Methods:Two meta-analyses were carried out using placebo or haloperidol as comparators. Studies were identified by searching for randomized, double-blind, placebo and/or haloperidol -controlled trials reporting data on efficacy of SGAs. Search was extended to the following databases: Pubmed, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Current Contents Connect. The outcome measure used was the change in negative symptoms, choosing a standardized statistic (Cohen's d) to synthesize data.Results:A total of 46 homogeneous trials (Q=45.18, df=50, p=0.667, I2=0%) were included. In the placebo-controlled meta-analysis, the effect sizes (Cohen's d) obtained for amisulpride, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone were 0.52, 0.34, 0.43, 0.36, 0.40 and 0.46, respectively, favoring active treatment against placebo (p< 0.001 in all cases). Comparing SGAs against haloperidol, showed just a statistically significant trend favoring SGA's in treatment of negative symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.15, p=0.008). Comparisons by drug showed a significant low and low-to-moderate standardized mean favoring SGA: Cohen's d = 0.34, p< 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.27, p< 0.001 and Cohen's d = 0.19, p=0.030, respectively for ziprasidone, risperidone and olanzapine.Conclusion:Most antipsychotics (aminosulpride, haloperidol, olanzapine. quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone) are effective in treatment of negative symptoms, showing moderate effect sizes. Amisulpride and ziprasidone were slightly better than the rest of drugs when compared with placebo. Compared with haloperidol, SGA showed controversial results.

Antipsychotics Efficacy in Treatment of Schizophrenia Negative Symptoms: Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (S1) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
J. Darbá ◽  
A. Minoves ◽  
E. Rojo ◽  
F. Jiménez ◽  
J. Rejas
Keyword(s):  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cohen’S D ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Cohen's D

Purpose:To examine the efficacy of second-generation-antipsychotics (SGAs) in the treatment of negative symptoms in Schizophrenia.Methods:Two meta-analyses were carried out using placebo or haloperidol as comparators. Studies were identified by searching for randomized, double-blind, placebo and/or haloperidol -controlled trials reporting data on efficacy of SGAs. Search was extended to the following databases: Pubmed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Current Contents Connect. the outcome measure used was the change in negative symptoms, choosing a standardized statistic (Cohen's d) to synthesize data.Results:A total of 46 homogeneous trials (Q=45.18, df=50, p=0.667, I2=0%) were included. in the placebo-controlled meta-analysis, the effect sizes (Cohen's d) obtained for amisulpride, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone and ziprasidone were 0.52, 0.34, 0.43, 0.36, 0.40 and 0.46, respectively, favoring active treatment against placebo (p< 0.001 in all cases). Comparing SGAs against haloperidol, showed just a statistically significant trend favoring SGA's in treatment of negative symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.15, p=0.008). Comparisons by drug showed a significant low and low-to-moderate standardized mean favoring SGA: Cohen's d = 0.34, p< 0.001; Cohen's d = 0.27, p< 0.001 and Cohen's d = 0.19, p=0.030, respectively for ziprasidone, risperidone and olanzapine.Conclusion:Most antipsychotics (aminosulpride, haloperidol, olanzapine. quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone) are effective in treatment of negative symptoms, showing moderate effect sizes. Amisulpride and ziprasidone were slightly better than the rest of drugs when compared with placebo. Compared with haloperidol, SGA showed controversial results.

Research synthesis

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 461-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Norris ◽  
Lourdes Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Applied Linguistics ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Instructional Effectiveness ◽  
Systematic Research ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Learning And Teaching

When in the late 1990s we set out to review the accumulated research on second language (L2) instructional effectiveness, it was with a sense – though no certainty – that a journey into the uncharted territory of systematic research synthesis would eventually prove worth the effort. In order to find a fitting methodology, and in the absence of any guidance within applied linguistics, we willingly delved into challenging techniques and debates from other disciplines. A few years later, we had to search long and hard to find enough synthesists working on language learning and teaching issues to warrant a book, but we did, and we saw that new effort as an important, if initial, step towards the adoption and adaptation of research synthesis, and particularly the subset of methods known as meta-analysis, to the problems of applied linguistics. Now, some ten years after our first publication on the topic, applications of meta-analysis have increased dramatically in the field, as this Timeline clearly shows. For some topics (e.g. interaction, corrective feedback), we have even seen several studies replicating and building on each other. We are pleased with these developments and welcome the efforts of the field to engage in rigorous and meaningful reviews of L2 research, with an eye towards cumulative explanation of key phenomena. At the same time, we also hope that researchers will avail themselves of the full potential of systematic research synthesis, which considerably transcends the narrower domain of meta-analysis and includes other quantitative as well as qualitative methods that more fully enable the task of synthesizing accumulated knowledge in the increasingly diverse research landscape of applied linguistics.

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