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…

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…

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…

Provides an overview of cluster analysis as an analytic and research approach with college students. Notes, although use of cluster analysis is an exploratory technique with all problems associated with techniques relying on researcher and practitioner judgment calls, the approach can result in increased knowledge of clients and more efficient,…

Discusses fieldwork experience in human development/gerontology that focuses on tapping reflections of individuals through interrelative process of interviewing. Presents phenomenological data gathering technique and explores method of life review and reminiscence collection taught to 200 college students. Describes protocol, discusses samples of…

Described two types of naturalistic research from different theoretical traditions: new paradigm research and ecological psychology. Applications are suggested for research in college student development and for professional practice in college student affairs. Includes examples of naturalistic research and discusses criteria for scientific…

Notes that research on academic retention programs for at-risk minority college students suffers from variety of methodological shortcomings. Identifies several problems in context of published retention-program studies, followed by corresponding solutions framed within call for nontraditional, alternative methodological and statistical strategies…

Asserts that path analysis is an optimum data-analytic technique for the research, development, and evaluation of planned interventions to reduce college student attrition. Describes and illustrates technique of path analysis. (Author/NB)

Presents a model for conducting research on the career development of special populations. Reviews available research paradigms and offers an alternative framework designed to make maximum use of available data sources while minimizing potential theoretical bias. Presents an illustration of research conducted within the recommended framework.…

Provides an introduction to qualitative research methods. Describes principles of qualitative research and discusses appropriateness of qualitative methods for student affairs research. Explains qualitative methods, including design, data collection and analysis, and reporting of results. Identifies and addresses problems of trustworthiness of…

Discusses why agentic and idiographic approaches (in combination with more typical nomothetic, nonagentic studies) may enhance the predictive accuracy of psychological experiments. Presents study on exercise behavior of 42 college student subjects and analyzes it from 3 perspectives: nonagentic-nomothetic, nonagentic-idiographic, and…

Describes a systematic approach to determine interventions which will efficiently increase the retention rates of certain categories of college students using small-sample research methods. Presents six steps designed to reduce student attrition rates among distinct groups of college students. (RC)