ERIC Number: ED653058
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 95
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3827-3467-5
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Between Decision-Making and Potential Bias: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Holistic Master's Admission
Alyssa Frey Orlando
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Existing literature finds that holistic admission practices may result in biased decision-making at the undergraduate and doctoral level. This decision-making may happen during the application review or policymaking process. Few studies directly examine master's admission processes as a unique entity. Additionally, researchers have not yet considered the connections between critical methodologies and the decision-making practices of master's admission offices. The present study relies on an author-created conceptual framework of biased admission decision-making grounded in critical race theory. Through a mixed-methods survey distributed to 43 respondents from four national higher education professional organizations and four semi-structured interviews, results indicate that minimizing bias may not be first priority during decision-making processes. Findings suggest that admission professionals are not focused on minimizing bias as a function of their work unless the minimization of bias is regularly and consistently identified and communicated as a strategic institutional goal. This study concludes with directions for future research, along with recommendations for admission professionals to bridge the gap between superficial cycle assessment and a purposeful redesign of applicant evaluation processes and methodologies. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Decision Making, Bias, Holistic Approach, Graduate Study, College Admission, Higher Education, Professional Associations, Admissions Officers, Educational Practices, Attitudes
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A