An Applied Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods in Academic Advising
Academic advising research aids faculty members and advisors in detecting, explaining, and addressing macro-level trends beyond their local campus. It also helps legitimize the professional nature of academic advising, moving it beyond mere prescriptive models that focus on rules and course selection. Due to the erroneous belief that skills in advanced statistical analysis or complex research methodologies are needed, many advisors fail to undertake major research projects. We introduce qualitative research in academic advising, compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research, and discuss three well-recognized qualitative methodologies: ethnography, appreciative inquiry, and case study. We explain the characteristics and give examples of qualitative research questions appropriate to the three qualitative methodologies and in an advising context.
Contributor Notes
Robert Hurt is a professor in the Accounting Department at Cal Poly Pomona. He has been involved with NACADA in various capacities, including the Publications Advisory Board, Emerging Leaders Program, and Research Committee, since 2004. His email address is robert.hurt@gmail.com.
Eric McLaughlin is a professor in the Finance, Real Estate and Law Department at Cal Poly Pomona. He advises undergraduate honor students, at-risk students, and those who are subject-to-disqualification. As a past graduate director for 11 years, he also advises graduate students in the college's MBA program.