Abstract
The aim of this paper is to combine qualitative and quantitative research methods into rigorous research into student success. Research methods have weaknesses that can be overcome by clever combinations. In this paper we use a situated study into student success as an example of how methods reinforce the other. The aim of the study is to develop a model for first year engineering student success that can inform policy makers on possible effects of policies. Students from two cohorts were interviewed in two separate studies and the results were used to make a model, which in turn was tested using statistical techniques. The main elements of the model were student behaviour and student disposition, which were influenced by the students’ perceptions of the education environment. The outcomes of the qualitative studies were useful in interpreting the outcomes of the structural equation modelling.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Translating Research into Practice : Proceedings of the REES conference |
Number of pages | 9 |
Place of Publication | Dublin |
Publication date | 15 Jul 2015 |
Publication status | Published - 15 Jul 2015 |
Event | Research in Engineering Education Symposium - Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland Duration: 13 Jul 2015 → 15 Jul 2015 Conference number: 6 |
Conference
Conference | Research in Engineering Education Symposium |
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Number | 6 |
Location | Dublin Institute of Technology |
Country/Territory | Ireland |
City | Dublin |
Period | 13/07/2015 → 15/07/2015 |