Research Project: Assessing the preparation of graduate training in research methods

Shared by Rebecca Rickly on Mar 4, 2008. Last Updated on Mar 4, 2008.

Principal Investigator(s): Becky Rickly

Co-Investigator(s): Carole Clark Papper; Derek Ross

For More Information: rebecca.rickly@ttu.edu

Keywords: academic writing; research; methods; training; professional development; assessment; doctoral programs; mentoring

Permission to Cite: Yes

Abstract/Summary: • Phase 1: Gather broad information via a global survey about required research methods classes in TC and C/R (completed 2005) • Phase 2: Using MS Access, a relational database, gather information from the web on PhD programs in composition/rhetoric and TC and their research methods requirements (programs compiled from consortium, CPTSC, ATTW) (initially complete 2007) • Phase 3: Survey current PhD students and new faculty (3 years or less in their first tenure track job) to see how well prepared they feel they are based on the training they received (completed 2007) • Phase 4: Follow up interviews with current PhD students and new faculty in TC and C/R, resulting in a series of case studies (present)

Project Background: Builds on research done by Kim Sydow Campbell in 2000.

Time Frame: 2005-2008

Research Question or Hypothesis: How well do we prepare graduates/new faculty to conduct research—to make knowledge—in our disciplines via coursework?

General Research Approach: Mixed / Multi-Modal

Research Methods: case study; content analysis; discourse analysis; interviewing; survey

Data / Information Sources: survey; web sites; interviews; course descriptions;

Intended Audience: College level program administrators; scholars interested in research methods; educators in C/R and TC programs

Data Available: Request data by contacting rebecca.rickly@ttu.edu