Research Methods and Applications for Student Affairs

A COMPREHENSIVE RESOURCE FOR UNDERSTANDING AND APPLYING RESEARCH METHODS Research Methods and Applications for Student Affairs offers students and professionals in the field an authoritative and accessible guide to help navigate research in student affairs. This comprehensive resource on research methods instruction clearly shows how to interpret the various forms of research, how to be critical as a research consumer, and how to use research to inform practice. Author J. Patrick Biddix-a noted scholar and expert in the field-presents a detailed overview of three qualitative-focused and four quantitative-focused research methods. The text reviews the basics of these qualitative and quantitative approaches and explores how to differentiate the major types of research as well as how to understand, read, evaluate, and apply results. Biddix also includes important information on using mixed methods approaches. The user-friendly text includes insights on key issues, as well as descriptions of the individual sections that comprise research studies. Also included is an overview of ethical considerations that apply specifically to student affairs. Research Methods and Applications for Student Affairs is an essential guide for enhancing research methods' skills, and offers direction for applying those skills in actual work situations. PRAISE FOR RESEARCH METHODS AND APPLICATIONS FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS Comprehensive, practical, and context-specific, this resource provides both practitioners and students with a guide to understanding, using, and designing research in student affairs. -Laura Dean, Professor, University of Georgia, College Student Affairs Administration Student affairs practitioners are faced with an environment in which they are challenged to demonstrate through research studies that their programs, activities, and learning experiences contribute to student learning and growth. This volume offers an excellent foundation as they seek to advance their research skills. -John H. Schuh, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Iowa State University A must-have resource for any student affairs practitioner-scholar trying to better understand the often 'unconsumed middle' of research articles-the methods and results/finding sections. A useful guide, with concrete examples on how to read and dissect research articles. -Matthew R. Wawrzynski, Associate Professor and Coordinator, Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Michigan State University