2013-01-11 (Creation date: 2013-01-11)

Evan J. Ringquist

Meta-Analysis encompasses a suite of statistical techniques for drawing generalizable conclusions from a large number of empirical studies that examine the same research question. While used extensively in the experimental sciences, these techniques have only recently begun to be used with some frequency in the social sciences. After providing a brief introduction to meta-analysis, this session will illustrate how techniques common in econometrics can be coupled with the statistics of meta-analysis to generate methods for estimating meta-regression models that can be used to synthesize results from non-experimental research from the social sciences. I demonstrate the validity of these techniques and I illustrate their utility through meta-analyses of research examining (1) inequities in the distribution of environmental risk and (2) the effectiveness of educational vouchers.

IU Workshop in Methods

Workshop in Methods

Social Science Research Commons

Performers
Dr. Ringquis tis Professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University, where he also holds courtesy appointments in the Department of Political Science and The West European Studies Center. Professor Ringquist’s research interests include evaluating the consequences of government actions, democratic influences in the policy making process, bureaucratic behavior, and quantitative methods. Current research projects include evaluating the effectiveness of international environmental agreements, and evaluating the extent to which Congressional candidates keep their campaign promises after elected. His most recent book, Meta-Analysis for Public Management and Policy, was published in January 2013 by Jossey-Bass.