Meta-analytic SEM of literacy and language development relations

Using Meta-analytic Structural Equation Modeling to Study Developmental Change in Relations Between Language and Literacy. Article link.

Jamie M. Quinn Richard K. Wagner

The purpose of this review was to introduce readers of Child Development to the meta-analytic structural equa-tion modeling (MASEM) technique. Provided are a background to the MASEM approach, a discussion of its utility in the study of child development, and an application of this technique in the study of reading compre-hension (RC) development. MASEM uses a two-stage approach: first, it provides a composite correlation matrix across included variables, and second, it fits hypothesized a priori models. The provided MASEM application used a large sample (N = 1,205,581) of students (ages 3.5–46.225) from 155 studies to investigate the factor structure and relations among components of RC. The practical implications of using this technique to study development are discussed.

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Musicians have better memory than nonmusicians: A meta-analysis

More research, this time a meta-analysis, documenting the cognitive benefits of musical training. I better not show this to my mother who never liked the fact that I only took one year of piano:)

Musicians have better memory than nonmusicians: A meta-analysis

Francesca Talamini, Gianmarco Altoè, Barbara Carretti, Massimo Grassi

Abstract

The three meta-analyses revealed a small effect size for long-term memory, and a medium effect size for short-term and working memory, suggesting that musicians perform better than nonmusicians in memory tasks. Moreover, the effect of the moderator suggested that, the type of stimuli influences this advantage.

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Random tidbits from the mind blogosphere 4-22-09

• Different types of memory loss at Happy Neuron
• The risks of cognitive enhancement article at the ever excellent Mind Hacks
• The neuroscience of magic in Wired magazine as discussed at the Frontal Cortex
  

Technorati Tags: psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, neurotechnology, Wird, cognitive enhancement, IQ enhancement, intelligence, cognition, magic, memory, Alzheimers, dementia

Random tidbits from mind blogosphere 4-16-09

• Thanks to Mind Hacks for tip regarding article in Nature re: the science of MRI neuroimaging.
• Check out Derick Bounds Mind Blog for recent research on importance of sleeping and learning and memory.
  

Technorati Tags: psychology, educational psychology, school psychology, neuropsychology, neuroscience, neurotechnology, MRI, sleep, memory, learning