Conducting Meta-Analysis Using the Proc Means Procedure in Sas

Abstract

The methodology for using the PROC MEANS procedure in SAS to perform the data computations called for by the Hunter and Schmidt approach to meta-analysis is presented. Using SAS for meta-analytic data analysis offers several potential advantages including ease of use, flexibility, and widespread availability. Specific procedures are presented for calculating summary statistics and then correcting these summary statistics for sampling error and other statistical artifacts such as range restriction and measurement error. One particularly attractive feature of this approach is the ease with which potential moderator variables can be analyzed simply by adding a few additional statements to the SAS program.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Arthur, W. Jr. , Bennett, W. , and Huffcutt, A. (1992). Choice of software and programs in meta-analysis research: Does it make a difference? Unpublished manuscript.

Callender, J. C. and Osburn, H. G. (1980). Development and test of a new model for validity generalization. Journal of Applied Psychology, 65, 543-558.

Ghiselli, E. E. , Campbell, J. P. , and Zedeck, S. (1981). Measurement theory for the behavioral sciences. New York: W. H. Freeman.

Hedges, L. V. (1989). An unbiased correction for sampling error in validity generalization studies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 74, 469-477.

Hunter, J. E. , and Schmidt, F. L. (1990). Methods of meta-analysis: Correcting error and bias in research findings. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.

Hunter, J. E. , Schmidt, F. L. , and Jackson, G. B. (1982). Meta-analysis: Cumulating research findings across studies. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications.

McDaniel, M. A. (1986). Computer programs for calculating meta-analysis statistics. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 46, 175-177.

Raju, N. S. , and Burke, M. J. (1983). Two new procedures for studying validity generalization. Journal of Applied Psychology, 68, 382-395.

Raju, N. S. , Burke, M. J. , Normand, J. , and Langlois, G. M. (1991). A new meta-analytic approach. Journal of Applied Psychology, 76, 432-446.

10.

SAS Institute, Inc. (1990). SAS Language: Reference, Version 6 (lst ed.). Cary, NC: Author.

11.

Schmidt, F. L. and Hunter, J. E. (1977). Development of a general solution to the problem of validity generalization. Journal of Applied Psychology, 62, 529-540.

12.

Steiner, D. D. , Lane, I. M. , Dobbins, G. H. , Schnur, A. , and McConnell, S. (1991). A review of meta-analyses in organizational behavior and human resources management: An empirical assessment. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 51, 609-626.