Some Reflections on Harris and Rosenthal's 31 Meta-analyses

Abstract

A critique of Harris and Rosenthal's (1985) 31 meta-analyses of the mediation of interpersonal expectancy effects raises two issues. First, the study of interpersonal expectancy effects requires an examination of the expectancy-mediator-changes (B-C-D) chain in toto. Harris and Rosenthal's meta-analytic exercise fails to substantiate such a chain, and also fails to enhance understanding of the subtle and unwitting nature of the expectancy-mediator (B-C) and the mediator-changes (C-D) links. Second, mixing studies of uneven quality in a meta-analysis still appears to be a cause for concern.