Meta-analyses in attitude-behavior research

This paper presents an overview and critical examination of recent meta-analyses dealing with the relationship between attitudes and behavior. Though widely differing with respect to the issues investigated, the criteria for selection of relevant studies and the technical details of data analysis, the analyses converge on the conclusion that attitudinal and behavioral measures actually are correlated much higher than has usually been claimed on the basis of narrative reviews. Some more fundamental limitations of meta-analyses conceived of as methodological tools of scientific discovery are also noted.