Research Methods and Applications for Student Affairs

The purpose of this book is to provide graduate students, faculty, and student affairs professionals with a primary textbook and reference guide for conducting and applying research in student affairs. Currently, student affairs academic field does not have a separate text for methods instruction. This textbook is designed meet that need by teaching readers about the role of research in the field, how to interpret its various forms, how to be critical as a research consumer, and how to use research to inform practice. This book would help the students and current practitioners develop and enhance skills in research methods and learn to apply those skills to work contexts. The book would help faculty by providing a single reference that includes applicable and direct examples to the field. It would significantly aid in course preparation by offering a tested approach to sequencing materials, numerous practice assignments to choose from, and a resource for students to use during the class and beyond. Finally, it would help current practitioners, who either kept the book after graduate school, or purchased it later, design and conduct research in their work settings - an increasing expectation in student affairs work contexts.