This chapter is a case study of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's Pathways [TM] program. The goal of the Statway [Registered Trademark] and Quantway [Registered Trademark] pathways is to improve the success rate of community college students who place into developmental mathematics. What makes these programs unique is…

Offers framework of 15 research methods varying by cost and expertise to promote more systematic approach to conducting student life research. Focuses on need for student life research. Most standard social science methods are discussed. Examples of research conducted by the Student Affairs Research, Information, and Systems Office at the…

Outlines use of qualitative research in student affairs. Suggests rationale for the appropriateness of qualitative methods as means of knowledge generation. Discusses five issues of concern. Concludes qualitative research methodology reflects and parallels complexity and richness of student affairs field. (Author/ABL)

Research anthropologists are using experimental ethnographic writing to reveal the kinds of hidden agenda that both researchers and informants bring to anthropological field work, questioning what constitutes truth in an ethnographic account. (MSE)

Tells how to conduct a meta-analysis study, and refers readers to information about refinements of the techniques. A simple meta-analysis is presented. Describes three fundamental stages to conducting a meta-analysis: (1) literature review; (2) calculation of effect sizes; and (3) analysis of data. (Author/NB)

The themes for a community-based nursing curriculum in a Hawaii project emerged from focus groups with multisectoral representation. Although the method was highly resource-intensive, it generated rich data and kept the voices and intentions of participants at the forefront. (SK)

Defends the validity of the methodology and findings of a previously published report which ranked university Black Studies departments by achievement. Argues that the future of Black Studies depends upon its ability to impose standards of excellence upon itself. (KH)

Contends that qualitative research methods may improve understanding of individual students and groups of students. Discusses key questions in determining appropriateness of qualitative methods for research, evaluations, and policy analysis. Recommends that student affairs professionals consider using qualitative methods in their study of students…

Demonstrated how the ecosystem model can foster positive program change and provide administrators with information that can help them become advocates for disabled persons on college campuses. In the past, this approach has been useful for situations involving students. This study extended the value of this ecosystem approach to include faculty…

Students in an experimental research design course were trained in survey research and gerontology by interviewing older adults, keeping a journal, completing statistical analysis and research reporting exercises, and presenting conference-style poster sessions. (SK)

Notes that most student affairs research relies on surveys, standardized tests, and structured interviews to collect data. Although it is acknowledged that these methods have been valuable, the case is made for combining multiple measures to optimize the study of the college student experience. Introduces method triangulation as a way of expanding…

Describes and contrasts philosophical and methodological assumptions, goals, and data collection methods of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research on college student behavior. Provides brief illustrations of two qualitative studies of college students using interview methods, ethnomethodology, and conversation analysis. (Author/NB)

Describes practical problems and issues that arose during multisite and single site studies that used qualitative research methods. Studies described include study of student involvement in out-of-class learning opportunities at 14 institutions of higher education and study of what students learned as result of membership in National PanHellenic…

Argues that focus groups provide users with valuable qualitative data not readily obtained with any other data-collection technique. Describes the focus-group process, including participant selection, moderator role, phases of the process, and advantages and disadvantages. Suggests ways that business communication instructors can incorporate the…

Looks at some of the core perspectives in teacher research, situates the movement in a wider context, and examines some of its explicit or implicit premises along with typical methodologies. Discusses the opportunities of teacher research; the craft-artistry perspective; communities of exchange, support, and inquiry; and warrants for knowledge in…