Using Qualitative Methods in Institutional Assessment

Shaun R. Harper, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Samuel D. Museus, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts - Boston

Abstract

This volume in the New Directions for Institutional Research series advocates the use of qualitative methods in the assessment of campus cultures, academic success and retention programs, student experiences and learning, and teaching effectiveness. The authors suggest that responses to calls for increased accountability in American higher education will be deemed insufficient if researchers continually rely almost exclusively on statistical analyses to assess institutional effectiveness. Instead, they recommend a variety of qualitative approaches that can produce rich and instructive data to guide institutional decision-making and action. In addition, myths and misconceptions regarding the use of qualitative methods in assessment are dispelled in this volume.

This book is available for purchase on Amazon.com and through the publisher's website:

http://www.josseybass.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470283610.html

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION/EDITORS’ NOTES

Shaun R. Harper and Samuel D. Museus

Chapter 1

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT USING QUALITATIVE METHODS IN ASSESSMENT

Shaun R. Harper and George D. Kuh

Chapter 2

ENHANCING INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENT EFFORTS THROUGH QUALITATIVE METHODS

Nancy Van Note Chism and Trudy W. Banta

Chapter 3

USING QUALITATIVE METHODS TO ASSESS DIVERSE INSTITUTIONAL CULTURES

Samuel D. Museus

Chapter 4

USING QUALITATIVE METHODS TO ASSESS ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND RETENTION PROGRAMS FOR UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY STUDENTS

Denise O’Neil Green

Chapter 5

USING QUALITATIVE METHODS TO ASSESS STUDENT TRAJECTORIES AND COLLEGE IMPACT

Shaun R. Harper

Chapter 6

USING QUALITATIVE METHODS TO ASSESS STUDENT LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Melissa Contreras-McGavin and Adrianna J. Kezar

Chapter 7

USING QUALITATIVE METHODS TO ASSESS TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS

Lisa R. Lattuca and Jennifer M. Domagal-Goldman