A review of methodological characteristics of research published in key journals in higher education: Implications for graduate research training
Research in Higher Education, 45 (4):
383-403 (2004)Abstract
Professional journals serve an important function within most disciplines as they offer a mechanism for professional communication. In the field of higher education, research on methodological characteristics of the published literature has been sparse. This study used content analysis to identify the types of research designs and analytical approaches utilized most often in 3 leading higher education journals during 5 recent years. Results indicated that across all 3 journals, most studies used quantitative analyses based on either primary or secondary survey data, though there were some differences among the journals. The bulk of quantitative studies were based on procedures normally taught in intermediate and advanced statistical courses. The results suggest that graduate-level research training may need modifications if higher education professionals are to contribute to or fully appreciate the published higher education literature.